Yankees Continue Winning Streak By Blanking Braves

Ivan Nova combined with four relievers on a five-hitter and the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 3-0 on Monday night to claim a share of first place in the AL East for the first time in seven weeks.

Raul Ibanez led off the second inning with a homer and Robinson Cano had two hits, including a run-scoring single in the first. The surging Yankees climbed into a tie with idle Tampa Bay for the division lead, their first return to first place since April 24.

The Yankees (35-25) have won four straight games and nine of 11 to move a season-best 10 games over .500. The Braves, held without an extra-base hit, have lost two straight after their season-best six-game winning streak.

Nova (8-2) gave up five hits with one walk and six strikeouts in seven innings for his fourth straight win.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)