NEW YORK – Kevin Brown gave the Yankees a big boost by pitching into the seventh inning in his first start in more than seven weeks, and Alex Rodriguez homered and drove in two runs in New York’s 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

On the night before baseball’s trade deadline – with speculation swirling about whether the Yankees will be able to strike a deal with Arizona for Randy Johnson – Brown gave New York an impressive outing.

Brown (8-1), activated from the disabled list before the game after being sidelined since June 10 with a lower back spasm and an intestinal parasite, allowed one run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings.

He struck out five and walked two, throwing 88 pitches.

Blue Jays 3, Devil Rays 0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Josh Towers won his fourth straight start with seven innings of two-hit ball, and Josh Phelps homered twice to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 3-0 Friday.

Tigers 5, White Sox 4

DETROIT – Bobby Higginson drew a tiebreaking, bases-loaded walk with two out in the eighth inning to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-4 for Chicago’s sixth straight loss.

Rangers 7, Athletics 5

ARLINGTON, Texas – Laynce Nix and Michael Young hit consecutive two-run singles with two out in the bottom of the eighth, helping the Texas Rangers rally from an early four-run deficit to beat the Oakland Athletics 7-5 and reclaim first place in the AL West.

Rockies 4, Diamondbacks 1

DENVER – Randy Johnson allowed four runs and struck out six in what may have been his last start for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Colorado Rockies beat the “Big Unit” for the second time in less than a week in a 4-1 victory.

Expos 9, Marlins 0

MIAMI -Livan Hernandez pitched a three-hitter and Brad Wilkerson and Nick Johnson homered to help the Montreal Expos spoil Josh Beckett’s third return from the disabled list with a 9-0 win over the Florida Marlins.

Braves 3, Mets 1

ATLANTA – Marcus Giles had three hits and drove in the go-ahead run, leading Mike Hampton and the Atlanta Braves past the New York Mets 3-1.

Brewers 5, Pirates 0

MILWAUKEE – Doug Davis allowed four hits in seven innings and Brady Clark hit a two-run double to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cubs 10, Phillies 7

CHICAGO – Aramis Ramirez hit three home runs and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat Philadelphia 10-7.