Cabrera had the big blow in the fifth, hitting a tiebreaking two-run double with two outs to give the Reds a 3-1 lead. Cabrera’s drive into the left-field corner came after Mussina issued an intentional walk to Jay Bruce to face the light-hitting shortstop, who entered with a .214 average and no RBIs.

“Bruce has had some success in those situations and we liked the matchup against Cabrera,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”

Said Mussina: “I didn’t get to choose. That’s the path we chose. That was it.”

Damon had a broken-bat RBI single in the third and Robinson Cano’s base hit drove in another run in the seventh but that was it against Volquez, who has won his last three decisions.

The Yankees put runners on first and third after Cano’s hit cut it to 4-2 but Volquez struck out Melky Cabrera to get out of the inning, pumping his arm as he made his way to the dugout. Cabrera and Volquez are from the Dominican Republic and grew up together.

“He told me after the game he’s going to call me about my changeup,” a smiling Volquez said. “He’s going to ask about my changeup.”

Jared Burton pitched the eighth and Francisco Cordero finished for his 14th save in 17 opportunities. Hideki Matsui singled with two outs in the ninth but Jason Giambi grounded out to end the game.

Jolbert Cabrera singled in the seventh and dislocated his left index finger sliding into second after Mussina threw a wild pitch. He was taken to a hospital to have it reduced under anesthesia, and Baker said Cabrera will be the Reds’ fourth shortstop on the disabled list.

“It’s tough,” Baker said. “When I saw him down like that I was just hoping that it wasn’t another injury.”

Notes: Mussina entered with 21 wins in 43 interleague starts, both major league records. ... The Reds are expected to call up right-hander Daryl Thompson to start Saturday’s game. It will be his major league debut. ... Yankees RHP Ian Kennedy, on the disabled list with a strained muscle near his right rib cage, was expected to throw three innings or 50 pitches in a minor league rehab start in Florida on Monday.

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