Yankees Diaries

Turning Point:
With the Yankees down 3-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, the once invisible playoff performer Alex Rodriquez laced a two-run bomb off All-Star closer Joe Nathan. A-Rod, who also had the hit to tie the game up at 1-1, has been criticized throughout his Yankee career for falling flat in the playoffs. This time, he was able to come through, quieting all the critics and bringing the Yankees faithful to a standing ovation.

Unsung Hero:
This honor goes to someone not even wearing pinstripes. Umpire Phil Cuzzi, who was responsible for the leftfield line, blew a call down the line, a clear mistake that went in the Yankees' favor. Leading off the top of the 11th, All-World catcher Joe Mauer sliced a ball to left. The ball hit Melky Cabrera’s glove in fair territory. The ruling should've been a fair ball and a ground-rule double. But Cuzzi ruled it foul. Although Mauer ended up hitting a single later in the at-bat, Cuzzi's call changed the complexion of the inning. The Twins didn't score, and Mark Teixeira ended it in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff homer.

Key Stat:
Number of pitchers the Yankees used in this game: Eight. A.J. Burnett provided six shaky but effective innings. Although he walked five and hit two batters with pitches, he was able to limit the Twins to just one run. The doubters, including me, were betting against Burnett, but he pitched great and answered all the critics.

Parting Shot:
Somewhere in that stadium general manager Brian Cashman had to be smiling. His offseason pickups have delivered so far in October. CC Sabathia and Burnett got the job done as starters, and Teixeira hit a walkoff home run to end Game 2. What could make it even better for Cashman would be to see the Yankees close out the series against one of his biggest mistakes, Carl Pavano. Let’s go for the sweep.

--- ANDREW COHEN