updated 12:54 a.m. ET Sept. 10, 2008

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter were big at the plate, yet the Yankee power hitters were awed by their teammate on the mound who was unruffled in his first major league start.

Backed by two homers from Damon, Rodriguez’s three-run shot and Jeter’s 2-for-4 outing, Alfredo Aceves kept Los Angeles hitters’ off-balance in New York’s 7-1 victory Tuesday night.

The Angels’ loss, combined with Texas’ 7-3 victory at Seattle, left their magic number at two for clinching their fourth AL West crown in five years. They can pop the champagne corks Wednesday with a victory in the series finale and a Texas loss on the road.

Aceves (1-0) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, struck out two and didn’t walk anyone in his third major league appearance.

“A pitcher has a little advantage when the hitters haven’t seen him,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “He changed speeds and got some outs when he needed. I don’t think he did anything that surprised us, but until you get in the batter’s box and get a look at the guy, it’s tough to have an idea of exactly what his ball is going to do.”

Aceves, a native of Mexico who began the season at Single-A Tampa, was cheered by about 30 family and friends. He planned to give the lineup card to his father as a souvenir.

“We played very good defense and we hit,” he said alternately speaking English, then Spanish that was interpreted by catcher Ivan Rodriguez. “It’s a good feeling, but it’s another game. I’m not thinking of my past or my future. My job is to hold other teams and play good baseball to win.”

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The struggling Yankees, unlikely to make the playoffs for the first time since 1993, broke out with 10 hits.

But Damon singled out Aceves’ performance.

“Our guy threw the ball very well,” he said. “We’re definitely very proud of him.”

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Aceves had promised him seven innings and the 25-year-old pitcher delivered.

“He faced a very tough lineup,” Girardi said. “The kid has a lot of heart and obviously he’s not afraid to throw strikes.”

Aceves helped himself by starting an inning-ending double play in the fourth.

“That was a big turn,” starting catcher Chad Moeller said. “He’s got good stuff. It’s going to be learning how to pitch here and what to do. He’s got four quality pitches and he’s not afraid of anyone out there.”

Rodriguez’s 33rd homer in the sixth off Ervin Santana (15-6) extended the Yankees’ lead to 4-0 and helped them end a four-game losing streak against the Angels.

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