SEATTLE — If Mr. August, CC Sabathia, keeps pitching like this — and if a healthier Hideki Matsui keeps hitting like this — A-Rod, Jorge Posada and the rest of the banged-up Yankees can afford to extend days off into mini vacations.

Derek Jeter homered before leaving early to rest, Matsui had his fourth career two-home run game and a season-high five RBIs, and Sabathia struck out a season-high 10 as New York beat the Seattle Mariners, 11-1, last night.

The Yankees had a 5-0 lead one out into the third without Alex Rodriguez, who may also miss today with a bruised elbow, and without Posada, their bruised catcher who said he could have played.

The Yankees won for the 10th time in 11 games.

Sabathia (13-7) allowed three hits in eight innings. He improved to 31-9 in August in his career.

"I've been pitching ahead in the count," Sabathia said. "And when I'm pitching ahead, I can pretty much put guys away."

ROYALS 5, TWINS 4

Gil Meche (5-9) gave up four runs in five innings in his return from the disabled list, and visiting Minnesota won its first three-game series since the end of June. The Royals' Willie Bloomquist had two RBIs, Alex Gordon hit his third homer and Joakim Soria pitched two innings for his 19th save.

TIGERS 2, RED SOX 0

Justin Verlander allowed four hits in eight innings and Ryan Raburn homered as visiting Detroit avoided a four-game sweep. Verlander (13-6) struck out eight and walked one, retiring 16 of the last 19 batters he faced.

RANGERS 4, INDIANS 1

Scott Feldman pitched six sharp innings and Josh Hamilton had four hits, including a go-ahead two-run double, for visiting Texas. Feldman (12-4) allowed seven hits and struck out six.