Nagy Shuts Down Bombers

Charles Nagy thinks this week's matchup between Cleveland and New York is an important one, even though the division champions are unlikely to meet in the first round of the AL playoffs.

"It's a big series for us psychologically. Hopefully, we'll face the Yankees in the postseason again," Nagy said after pitching the Indians to a 4-1 win Monday night.

Cleveland eliminated the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs last season. The teams have split eight games this year, and have three games remaining.

Nagy (15-10), who gave up five hits in eight innings, might be looking forward to meeting the Yankees again for personal reasons.

"It's just fun coming here and pitching in New York (since) I grew up in Connecticut," he said.

, who hit his first major-league grand slam to provide the Indians with all their runs, also has personal motivation.

"It feels real good because my father and my friends are all here. My father is very happy," said Wilson, whose homer was only his second of his major-league career, both this season.

Wilson's homer came off Andy Pettitte (16-11), who has last five of his last seven decisions. Pettitte gave up eight hits and four runs in seven innings.

"I think it was a good outing," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "I think he's better. You hate to give up the one hit if it's a home run with the bases loaded. But I think there were a lot of good things that happened tonight."

Torre declined to answer when asked if his struggling left-hander would be included in the Yankees' postseason rotation.

ilson's grand slam in the fifth was a soft, opposite-field fly into the corner in right. It scored Alex Ramirez and Einar Diaz, who had singled, and Omar Vizquel, who walked.

"I think it kind of surprised him. You hit the ball down the line, you don't have to hit it too far here," Nagy said.

The Yankees scored their only run in the seventh. Ricky Ledee had a two-out walk and scored on Scott Brosius' RBI double.

Paul Shuey got three outs for his second save.

Bernie Williams went 1-for-4 and is hitting .334, trailing Mo Vaughn of the Boston Red Sox by percentage points for the league lead.

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