Nova, Beltran Lift Yanks Past BoSox

Carlos Beltran provided the offense, going 3-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Ivan Nova pitched 7.1 strong innings as the Yankees beat the Red Sox 3-2 on Sunday night.

Nova allowed two runs, scattered eight hits and struck out four in winning his second game of the year (2-1).

Shawn Kelley worked a scoreless ninth for his third save.

The Yanks trailed 1-0 early but Beltran’s third homer of the season gave the Yanks a 2-1 lead.

New York added an insurance run in the fourth on a bizarre play. Francisco Cervelli grounded to third, and Kelly Johnson was forced at second. On the throw to first, Cervelli was ruled out to end the inning, but Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi challenged the play and won.

Cervelli was awarded first base, scoring Brian McCann, who had been on third.

Red Sox manager John Farrell was ejected following the ruling and Cervelli had to leave the game after his lunge for first base. Ichiro Suzuki replaced him.

The Red Sox scored off Nova in the sixth on a home run by Mike Napoli, but that was all the scoring for the night.

The Yankees are now 7-6 and will play the Cubs tomorrow night at Yankee Stadium.