Yankees focus shifts to 4-game series with Rays

BALTIMORE - The Yankees played three intense, one-run games last week against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Yankees, with a half game lead in the division, expect more of the same starting Monday night as they kick off a four-game series against the Rays at the Stadium.

"I would anticipate it because they have a great pitching staff and we believe we do, as well," Derek Jeter said.

The Yankees had a chance to give themselves a 1 ½-game lead Sunday but the bullpen couldn't hold a 3-1 lead and they lost in 11 innings to the Orioles. Still, looking big picture, the Yankees, despite going 3-6 on this trip, still do have a lead.

"It's a chance for each team to put a little separation in the lead for the East," Joe Girardi said. "They're important games. We understand that it could determine who's going to win the division."

Though none of the three games against the Rays sold out Tropicana Field, the crowds there were loud and involved and the Yankees are looking forward to that kind of atmosphere at the Stadium.

"It's going to be great," Mark Teixeira said. "The fans, especially coming off a road trip, they haven't seen us in 10 days at home. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Like Jeter, Teixeira doesn't see a lot of potential for lopsided games either way.

"With how good their pitching staff is, if our pitchers step up, there's not going to be any blowouts," Teixeira said. "It's just two good teams playing against each other. They're going to be battles."

Ivan Nova (1-0, 4.30) starts Monday night against Matt Garza. Nova, 23, shut out the Rays the first four innings Tuesday before giving up six runs in the fifth inning in an 8-7 Yankees victory.

"I know the guys now, I know how to pitch them now," Nova said. "I just have to prove it and put everything together tomorrow and have a good start."

Nova, who doesn't lack for confidence, called Monday night the start of "the most important series" of the season.

And that he's ready.

"I have an opportunity to do something I didn't do the other day," he said before smiling. "Tomorrow's going to be a good day."