Yankees Now Best In American League

YANKEES 5

RAYS 3

This is starting to shape up into a really special season for the new look New York Yankees.

Unlike recent years, where the Yankees counted on their gigantic wallet and talent to beat opponents, only to realize that they lacked the heart to get back to the World Series, this Yankee team has a passion, a drive, and a desire to succeed. Call it a love for the game that no one has seen from the Bombers at least since their World Series days in the late 1990's.

In April, people panicked after the Yankees stumbled out of the gate because of A-Rod's off the field distractions, and poor play from expensive new comers in C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeria. But now, that seems like eons ago. The Yankees, 34-23, now own the best record in the American League. They have rolled over the competition in the AL, and right now look like the only legitimate pennant contender in that league.

Tonight, the Bronx Bombers found a way to fight off the pesky and injured Tampa Bay Rays to take two of three in the rain shortened weekend series.

The Yankees got on the board early, thanks to Teixeria's 18th home run of the year to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead. Then, in the second inning, Nick Swisher, who has been struggling with his bat of late, struggled no more after he blasted a two run home run to right to make it 3-0. Swisher went 2 for 3 on the night to raise his average to .257.

Andy Pettitte was decent tonight; he gave up three runs on five hits over six innings and left the game still with a chance to win it. Box Score.

In the bottom of the sixth, Johnny Damon got enough of a 2-1 pitch to send the ball into the very short porch in right center to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Derek Jeter put the exclamation point on the night after he blasted a solo shot in the eighth to make it 5-3. There were seven home runs hit tonight at new Yankees Stadium, giving the park 107 home runs in just 29 games! Talk about a band box!!

Mariano Rivera closed it down for his 14th save of the year. The Yankees now lead the Red Sox by a full game and now travel to Boston to play what should be a incredible three game series.