CC Sabathia won his eighth consecutive decision, Mark Teixeira had four hits and Marcus Thames hit a two-run homer as the New York Yankees cruised to an 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday afternoon.

The easy victory was overshadowed in the Yankees organization after the death of long-time announcer Bob Sheppard. Sheppard died at age 99 in his Long Island home. He had been the Yankees public address announcer from 1951 to 2007 and had been dubbed “The Voice of God” by many through the years.

Sabathia (12-3) allowed one run on six hits in seven innings. He became the first Yankee since Roger Clemens in 2001 to win eight consecutive starts.

Teixeira had two doubles against Ryan Rowland-Smith (1-9), who lasted just four innings, allowing six runs – four earned – on six hits. He will likely be headed to the bullpen after the All-Star break.

Thames hit his third home run in the fifth off reliever Brian Sweeney.

Seattle first baseman Casey Kotchman homered and had three hits. Newly acquired Justin Smoak was the designated hitter and got his first hit since arriving from Texas in a trade for Cliff Lee.