Yankees  9    Mets  1

New York Yankees (40-32) at New York Mets (37-34), 7:10 p.m.

Sports Network | June 26, 2009

(Sports Network) - The New York Yankees hope CC Sabathia's left arm holds up against the Mets this evening, as the Subway Series shifts to Citi Field for the first time.

Sabathia, who inked a seven-year, $161 million deal with the Yankees this past winter, was forced to leave his last start early against the Florida Marlins on Sunday due to a strained left biceps. He had been 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his previous nine starts and is 6-4 with a 3.71 ERA on the year.

The 28-year-old left-hander did not pitch in the initial series with the Mets earlier this month, but beat them in his only other appearance against them, surrendering a run and six hits in eight innings back in 2004 while with the Indians.

Sabathia should get plenty of support, as the Yankees offense seems to be clicking once again -- specifically Alex Rodriguez. On Thursday, Rodriguez moved into a tie for 11th place on the all-time home run list and finished with four runs batted in to lead the Yankees to an 11-7 win over the Atlanta Braves in the rubber match of a three-game series at Turner Field.

Rodriguez, who finished with three hits, belted the 563rd homer of his illustrious career and in the process moved into a tie with former Yankee great Reggie Jackson.

"In the big picture, it's quite an honor to tie Reggie," said Rodriguez. "And I'm sure 'Mr. October' will have a lot to say about that."

Johnny Damon also drove in four runs while Derek Jeter posted four hits and four runs scored for the Yankees, who have won two straight following a three- game skid.

Yankees starter Andy Pettitte, though, struggled, as he lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing six runs -- three earned -- on seven hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Alfredo Aceves (5-1) nabbed the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

Mariano Rivera was not needed, but the right-handed reliever remains one save shy of 500 for his incredible career.

The Mets, meanwhile, continue to get it done despite a ton of injuries and have moved within a half-game of the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East after just taking three of four matchups from the Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals.

Johan Santana was solid on the mound on Thursday, and Nick Evans' two-run double in the fourth inning was the difference as the Mets edged St. Louis, 3-2.

Fernando Tatis drove in the other run for New York, while Santana (9-5) allowed seven hits, two runs -- one earned -- three walks and struck out three over seven innings before handing the ball to the bullpen.

"(Santana) didn't quite have the command and rhythm early that he usually has," said Mets manager Jerry Manuel. "Then he found his rhythm and command and was able to get some early strikes."

Pedro Feliciano worked around a leadoff single in the eighth and Francisco Rodriguez overcame a rocky ninth to record his 20th save of the season.

After striking out the first two batters, Rodriguez issued back-to-back walks to Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick before getting Yadier Molina to line out to left field to end the game.

Getting the call for the Mets tonight will be right-hander Mike Pelfrey, who has just one win over his last eight starts. Pelfrey did not get a decision on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, as he allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings of his team's 10-6 loss.

Pelfrey, who is 5-2 with a 4.74 ERA on the year, defeated the Yankees the only other time he faced them last season.

The Yankees took two of three from the Mets earlier this month, but the Mets won last year's series, four games to two. The Yanks, though, took two of three in Flushing a year ago.