David Price struck out eight over five scrappy innings to become the AL leader in wins and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 7-3 on Thursday night to avert a three-game series sweep.

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Price (8-3) finished his night by retiring two of the Yankees' most dangerous hitters with the bases loaded. Alex Rodriguez struck out after an 11-pitch at bat and Robinson Cano grounded out in six more, ending New York's best threat to cut into a four-run lead.

CC Sabathia (7-3) struck out 12 and matched a season high with 121 pitches for the Yankees, who lost for the fourth time in their last 14 and went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position to lower their average in such situations to .218.

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

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