SPORTSTICKER AL PREVIEW (BOSTON-NY YANKEES) BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox took over first place in the American League East from the New York Yankees last week and look to hold on to it when the two teams begin a three-game series tonight. Boston won two of three games against New York at Fenway Park and hold a 1 1/2-game lead for the top spot. Righthander Brian Rose (1-0, 2.00 ERA) makes his second start in six days against the Yankees. He pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing six hits in a 6-0 triumph on Wednesday in his first start of the season. This will be Rose's first appearance at Yankee Stadium. New York counters with righthander Hideki Irabu (1-2, 5.46), who looks to snap a two-game skid. He was on the losing end of Wednesday's game, surrendering five runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. During his slump, Irabu has given up seven runs and 16 hits in 10 2/3 innings. The Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday with a 10-8 victory, their sixth in seven games. Pedro Martinez became the majors' first nine-game winner and Tom Gordon converted his 50th consecutive save opportunity. New York rallied for four runs in the ninth and won on a home run by Chad Curtis in the 10th to defeat the Chicago White Sox, 8-7. The Yankees are 2-17 when trailing after eight innings and 3-0 in extra innings. They have won seven straight extra-inning contests dating back to last season.  