(Reuters) - Ichiro Suzuki hit two home runs to power the New York Yankees to a 4-1 home win over their struggling rivals the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.

Japanese Suzuki blasted solo homers in the fourth and sixth innings to give the Yankees a 4-0 lead and support a stellar pitching effort from compatriot Hiroki Kuroda, who allowed one run in eight innings.

Derek Jeter matched Suzuki's three hits and New York (72-49) got their second win in the finale of the three-game series.

Boston (59-63) have lost eight of their last 12 games and now trail the first-placed Yankees by 13-and-a-half games in the American League East.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles. Editing by Patrick Johnston)