Mussina Gets 200th Victory

NEW YORK —  Looking for an elusive milestone, Mike Mussina received a big boost from Bubba Crosby.

The rookie outfielder hit a three-run home run in his first start for the New York Yankees, helping Mussina earn his 200th win with a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Crosby also crashed into the fence to make a terrific catch and earned several standing ovations.

“He was all over the place,” Mussina said. “He had a great game, and we wouldn’t have won without him.”

Crosby, acquired from the Dodgers in a deal for Robin Ventura at the trade deadline last season, was a surprise in making the club because of a huge spring, when he batted .357 with two homers and 11 runs batted in.

After Dan Wright (0-1) walked Gary Sheffield and Jorge Posada in the fourth, Crosby drove a 2-0 pitch off the facade of the upper deck in right field for a 4-3 lead. He pointed to the sky as he rounded the bases and popped out of the dugout for a curtain call.

Playing a solid center field in place of an ailing Kenny Lofton and while Bernie Williams served as the designated hitter, Crosby also drew cheers after crashing into the right-center wall to catch Magglio Ordonez’s drive in the third.

“It seemed like every other inning I was tipping my cap,” he said.

Mussina (1-2) was coming off two poor starts against Tampa Bay to start the season, and he got in trouble from the outset in this one too. He made an error in the first inning and gave up three runs.

But the right-hander settled down from there, becoming the 100th major league pitcher to reach 200 wins. It took him five tries.

“It means I’ve been playing a long time, and I’ve been lucky enough to stay healthy and play on some good teams and be consistent,” Mussina said. “I’m pleased with that. I certainly hope it’s not my last one. It’s a big accomplishment.”

Then he was asked whether he’ll be around for No. 300.

“Whose?” Mussina said.

Mussina yielded four runs -- three earned -- and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked two.

Mariano Rivera worked the ninth for his third save in three chances. With two on and one out, he struck out Willie Harris, then retired Jose Valentin on a grounder.