Yankees Diaries

Trailing 4-2 going into the eighth Wednesday, the Yankees put their rally caps. Hideki Matsui hit a two-run home run. Then in the ninth, rookie Francisco Cervelli drove in Brett Gardner with the game-winning hit. The Yankees essentially have the division locked up but it is important that they continue to play consistent baseball and have momentum going into the playoffs. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless inning in the top of the ninth to register his third win of the season. As Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" was playing, A.J. Burnett gave Cervelli the pie to the face as the catcher put his hands toward the sky.

The big news of the day was that Jorge Posada was suspended three games for triggering a bench-clearing brawl. The incident started when Posada scored and threw an elbow at pitcher Jesse Carlson as retaliation for supposedly throwing at Posada. The two were originally handed four-game suspensions although they were both reduced a game when they agreed not to appeal the suspensions. At this time of year it is a blessing in disguise because Posada will be relied on heavily if the Yankees want to accomplish their goal and win the World Series. The Yankees look to continue their good play Friday in Seattle where they will be met by King Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. --- Andrew Cohen.