Major League Baseball

Yanks hold off O's rally, finish home sweep

Published Jul. 23, 2009 4:27 a.m. ET

foxsports

A.J. Burnett and the New York Yankees are turning into the $201 million juggernaut they were supposed to be this season.

Burnett won his fourth straight decision and Nick Swisher had a big game with his bat and glove, leading New York over the Baltimore Orioles 6-4 on Wednesday for its sixth consecutive victory.

"It's the best we've been and we need to continue that. We need to continue to grind out these games," manager Joe Girardi said. "It has been very professional the way these guys have gone about their business. Every day you come in and expect to win."

The Yankees (57-37) woke up alone in first place Wednesday, the first time that's happened this late in a season since they won the division in 2006.