Teixeira sets switch-hitting HR mark
Homers from both sides of plate in a game for 14th time
CHICAGO -- Mark Teixeira set a Major League record by homering from both sides of the plate for the 14th time in his career, breaking a tie with former teammate Nick Swisher for the most all-time, on Friday night in the Yankees' 13-6 victory over the White Sox.
"I don't try to do that; I just try to hit the ball hard and drive the ball," Teixeira said. "If it happens, it happens. It's not something that you really plan for though."
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Batting right-handed against White Sox starter Carlos Rodon, Teixeira hit a second-inning grand slam to center field, giving the Yankees a 6-0 lead.
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It was Teixeira's second grand slam of the season and the 10th of his career, having last hit one June 1 at Seattle.
Teixeira cleared the center-field wall again in the fourth inning, slugging a two-run shot off Matt Albers for a 9-2 cushion. That shot came from the left side of the plate and gave Teixeira a season-high six RBIs, which he hadn't done since 2012.
"Sometimes, it's very frustrating being a switch-hitter. It's not easy," Teixeira said. "Sometimes, if you're not feeling good at the plate, it's very frustrating, it's very tough. When you're feeling good and facing tough pitchers, it's a huge advantage to be a switch-hitter. It kind of depends on how you're feeling."
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They were the 27th and 28th home runs of the season for Teixeira, who enjoyed a multi-homer game for the second consecutive day.
"Insane. He had some hard-hit balls in Texas that found some leather," said Yankees infielder Brendan Ryan. "You hit them out of the park, nobody can get in the way. He's just been outstanding. Six RBIs today. Outstanding. You can't ask for much more."
Teixeira is batting .457 (21-for-46) with 11 RBIs over his last 12 games, and credits the surge to the health of his surgically repaired right wrist.
"It feels great. I've said it since Spring Training, I feel really good," Teixeira said. "I feel strong, the wrist is healthy and that's all I can really ask for."