"Home runs at Yankee Stadium are nothing new. Home runs by Eduardo Nuñez and Ramiro Peña - in the same game, no less - are something different.

The entire Yankee infield homered to pace a 12-4 rout of the Rangers, putting the Bombers in position to sweep the defending American League champions Thursday at the Stadium.

"I don't know if I've ever been part of a game where every infielder hit a home run," Joe Girardi said. "Those two guys were outstanding tonight and had great at-bats."

Nuñez's home run helped him celebrate his 24th birthday as he made his second straight start in place of Derek Jeter.

"I'm so happy because it's my birthday and I hit a home run," Nuñez said. "I'd be happy anyway, but to hit a home run and for us to win, I'm so excited."

Two of the Yankees' five long balls came off the bat of Mark Teixeira, who pulled into a tie with Curtis Granderson and Jose Bautista for the major-league lead in home runs with 21. It was the 11th time he's homered as a lefty and righty in the same game, tying Eddie Murray and Chili Davis for the most in history."