Broom & Pie

Brian Gordon -- didn't he play basketball for those cheating bastards at the University of New England, I mean Connecticut? No, wait, that's Ben Gordon -- started for the Yankees against the Texas Rangers this afternoon, his first appearance in Pinstripes. He pitched into the 6th, allowing just 2 runs.

Where did this guy come from? Why had he only had a cup of coffee thus far? Did it really take him until age 32 to learn how to pitch? If he was this good, why did the Phillies let him go?

The answer to all of these questios is WHO CARES! He was very good today, and may he be so many more times!

Between them, Hector Noesi, David Robertson, Mariano Rivera and Cory Wade (1-0) pitched 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, as the Yankees took the game to extra innings.

Does this sound to you like the Yankees need pitching? Because it sure doesn't sound like it to me.

No homers, but Brett Gardner singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 12th off Michael Kirkman (1-1), to complete the sweep. Yankees 3, Rangers 2. Broom. Pie.

The Red Sox just beat the Rays, so the Yankees remain a game and a half out of first place, one game in the loss column.

Off to the Midwest and Interleague play. Cubbies and Big Red Machine.

Tomorrow I'll have "How to Be a New York Fan In Chicago -- Wrigley Edition." Sorry it's late, but I will post it tomorrow. Before game time. Promise.

Jeter hits 2994 6
Rivera saves 575 26
A-Rod homers 626 137
A-Rod hits 2739 261