The Yankees (46-29) and the Chicago White Sox (41-35) started a four game series in the Bronx on Thursday evening and the Yankees failed to hold on to a two run lead going into the ninth inning, losing 4-3.

Both starters Ivan Nova and Dylan Axelrod pitched well in their starts. Nova went 7 1/3 gave up one run on six hits and struck out five. Axelrod went seven innings gave up two runs on six hits and struck out four.

The game was scoreless and cruising along until the fifth inning when White Sox centerfielder Alejandro De Aza lifted a solo homer over the right field wall putting the Sox up 1-0; it was De Aza’s fifth of the season.

The Yankees answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the fifth. With two outs Curtis Granderson singled, Alex Rodriguez followed with an RBI double tying the game. Robinson Cano then put the Yanks up 2-1 with an RBI double of his own.

In the eighth inning Mark Teixeira ripped a solo home run off of White Sox reliever Hector Santiago; it was Teixeira’s 13th of the season.

In the ninth inning Alex Rios singled off of Cody Eppley. Clay Rapada then came in to face A.J. Pierzynski who reached when Rapada threw the ball into the outfield. David Roberston then relieved Rapada to face Dayan Viciedo who delivered the big blow to the Yankees; a three run homer to left field putting the White Sox up 4-3.

Derek Jeter singled in the seventh inning putting him at 3,184 for his career and tying him with Cal Ripken for 13th on the all-time hits list.

The Yankees will play the White Sox again tomorrow night. Adam Warren makes his major league debut for the Yankees while Jose Quintana (2-1 1.25) goes for the White Sox. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30, first pitch at 7:05 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.

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