Aug 5 2011 Derek Jeter New York Yankees MLB.flv

BOSTON -- After claiming just their second win in 10 tries against the Red Sox this season, the Yankees were more relieved than excited about winning Friday night's series opener at Fenway, 3-2, and taking over first place in the AL East by a game over their archrival.

"It definitely shows us that they are human, and they can be beat, and it's a tremendous mental lift for us," said Nick Swisher, who drove in the go-ahead and decisive run in a three-run sixth.

"It's better to be in first than second, third or fourth," Derek Jeter quipped. "We're not looking at the scoreboard. Obviously, the scoreboard is right in front of everybody so you see it but we're just trying to continue to play well."

The win was the eighth straight for the Yankees, their longest streak since Aug. 28-Sept. 4, 2010.

"I definitely think it's more just one out of 162, especially considering there's still a lot left to play, not only with these guys but the rest of the [AL] East, and all this month of August and September, which of course, is going to be the most important month," said Curtis Granderson, who drove in New York's first run with a single over the leaping Marco Scutaro in the three-run sixth.

The Yankees send ace C.C. Sabathia to the mound Saturday afternoon against Boston's John Lackey.

"It's exciting because we're able to enjoy this moment for a few hours here and get into first place," Granderson said. "It can easily go back to be tied after [Saturday] and who knows what can end up happening on Sunday. We like the position we're in right now. We've got the opportunity to extend [Saturday] but also be realistic and know that they're not just going to lay down and die over there."

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