* Jeter gets three hits for Yankees
* Beckett pitches six innings in the loss
(adds quotes, detail)
Aug 19 (Reuters) - Ichiro Suzuki hit two home runs to power
the New York Yankees to a 4-1 home win over struggling rivals
the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
The Japanese outfielder blasted solo homers in the fourth
and sixth innings to give the Yankees a 4-0 lead and support a
stellar pitching effort from compatriot Hiroki Kuroda, who gave
up a single run in eight innings.
Kuroda allowed just four hits and surrendered no walks to
improve to 12-8 on the season. Rafael Soriano worked the ninth
for his 31st save of the season and New York (72-49) got their
second win in the finale of the three-game series.
The Bronx Bombers were sparked by the unlikely power surge
from Suzuki, who has just seven home runs this season, but
received a curtain call from the New York fans after his second
blast Sunday.
"It's one of the special moments of my career, to have the
support of the fans," mid-season acquisition Suzuki told
reporters. "Obviously, I still need to be ready and play well in
the future, and that's what I want to continue to do."
Derek Jeter matched Suzuki's three hits and scored twice
while marvelling at the former Seattle Mariner.
"Everybody knows how good of a hitter he is," Jeter said. "I
don't care what the scoreboard or statistics say. We've played
against Ichiro enough, and he's tough to pitch to. He showed us
today he can hit some home runs when he wants to."
Adrian Gonzalez homered for the Red Sox, who saw Josh
Beckett toss six innings in defeat.
Boston (59-63) have lost eight of their last 12 games and
now trail the first-placed Yankees by 13 1/2 games in the
American League East.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John
O'Brien)