Ibanez leads Yankees to extra-inning victory over O's

YANKEES 3
ORIOLES 2

Once again Raul Ibanez found himself in the middle of a Yankees comeback. A week after leading New York to a division title with his homer and RBI single to beat the Red Sox in the next to last game of the season, Ibanez blasted two homers against the Baltimore Orioles in game three of the ALDS to send the Yankees to a 2-1 series advantage.

Ibanez spent most of the night on the bench, but came in the ninth inning to pinch hit for designated hitter Alex Rodriguez, who has struggled with the bat in this series, batting .083 (1-for-12). With fans growing increasingly tired of A-Rod's lack of clutch performances, and with a increasingly cold bat, manager Joe Girardi gambled with Rodriguez's precious ego and put in the ageless Ibanez.

The Yankees offense was listless for most of the night, as Miguel Gonzalez mowed down the Yankees order through seven brilliant innings and holding a 2-1 lead.

However, once the ninth inning came, Orioles closer Jim Johnson couldn't shut the door. He got Ichiro Suzuki to fly out on the first pitch of the ninth, and then, suddenly, Girardi made the move that will be talked about for the next 24 hours. He removed Rodriguez who was 0-for-3 on the night, for Ibanez.

The veteran didn't disapoint, as he launched a fastball into the bleachers in right to tie the game, sending Yankee Stadium into a tizzy.

After both teams failed to score in the 10th and 11th innings, it was Ibanez again who shined the brightest. Leading off the bottom of the 12th, Ibanez destroyed the first pitch, sending into the mezzanine level ending the night.

The Yankees now hold a 2-1 series lead, and can clinch the series on Thursday with Phil Hughes taking the ball. This is a big game for Hughes, who has struggled this season. If he pitches well, fans will quickly forget his miserable 2012 regular season. This victory also saves the Yankee rotation. Now the Bombers can have CC Sabathia ready on regular rest for a possible game five, or perhaps, game one of the ALCS.