Who ever would have thought at the beginning of the season that four of the biggest factors in a Yankee victory would be Xavier Nady, Alfredo Aceves, Phil Coke and Wilson Betemit? Actually, I did...just kidding. Well that is how things went Monday night as the Yankees fought of the White Sox and won by a score of 4-2. Boston's win over Tampa Bay puts the Yankees 9 games behind both teams, reducing the Yankees' elimination number to just 4.

The Yankees jumped ahead in the bottom of the 2nd when the aforementioned Nady launched a two-run shot to center and put the Yankees ahead 2-0. The White Sox would answer back in the 4th with a two-run home from Dewayne Wise to tie the game at 2. The Wise home run was all that prevented Alfredo Aceves from picking up his second major league victory. Aceves put together another stellar start, allowing just two runs on five hits in six innings.

The score would remain tied until the 7th, when a ground rule double by Wilson Betemit brought in Nady to put the Yankees ahead 3-2. The Yanks got an insurance run when Betemit was brought in with an RBI single by Johnny Damon.

The Yankee bullpen was solid, as Phil Coke, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera all pitched scoreless innings. Coke picked up his first big-league win as he continues to deal. He's now pitched eight scoreless innings since being called up. Mariano Rivera picked up his 479th save, moving into second place on the career saves list.

Derek Jeter was 0-4 and will have to wait at least one more night to pass Lou Gehrig and take sole possession of the Yankee Stadium hits record.

The two clubs will go at it again tonight as Andy Pettitte will take the mound against the White Sox' Gavin Floyd. Game starts at 7:05 ET.