Steve and the Tank! - The Rocket's Re-entry

Due to crazy subway train delays, thousands of my fellow Yankee brethren were late to the Rocket's Re-entry. I was supposed to meet LI Mike at 12:30 pm but he was stuck on a different D Train too.

Of course, we missed the Rocket's first pitch back and the first three Yankees runs in the first inning which put them ahead after the Pirates scored a run in the top of the first.

As we settled into our bleacher seats, LI Mike told me when his Dad took him to the last game at the Old Yankees Stadium before the 1970s construction. What a thrill!

One pitch makes all the difference in the world as Clemens walked a man on a 3-2 count with two outs. The next batter, Wilson, doubled to tie the game at 3 to 3 in the top of the fourth.

Clemens then cruised along and got the final seven batters he faced. He walked off the field to a standing ovation after getting third strike on a 2-2 count to end the top of the 6th. Elton John's "Rocket Man" blared in the background.

While the Pirates go to their bullpen, the Stadium plays Rocky Balboa clips including my new favorite phrase, "It's not how hard life hits you, it's how hard you hit back!"

Cano was walked. Damon hits a squibber to short. While last night's extra innings hero (Derek Jeter) was at the plate, the Yankees double steal with one out. Jeter is walked to load the bases. Bobby "El Como Dulce" (Just Like Sugar) Abreu singles to right field. The Yankees lead 5-3. A-Rod sacrifices to right center and the Yankee lead grows to 6-3. The Yankees double steal again as Posada is at bat. Posada is then intentionally walked on the next pitches. Hideki Matsui, the Japanese Baseball Emperor, grounds out to end the 6th inning.

Cabrera makes a great catch in center field to rob Paulino of a home run to start the top of the 7th. Melky then has to range to short right center to catch the second out. After a couple of walks, the Pirates are retired.

Get up and stretch! Bob Shepard's request for a moment of silent prayer for those serving and protecting us in the Armed Services. "God Bless America" followed.

Cano doubles to left center field. Miguel Cairo popped out to the catcher Paulino while trying to bunt and advance him. Cabrera singles to left and Cano holds at third but the relay went past the Paulino and Cano scored. Cabrera advances to third on the error. Yankees lead 7-3. Damon hits to first but the throw home is late and the Yankees lead 8-3. Jeter grounds out into a double play to end the 7th. The Yankees lead 8-3.

After an uneventful top of the 8th, the Rocket dons a straw hat with the Yankee emblem to introduce "Cotton Eye Joey" during the break between the top and bottom of 8th inning.

Matsui sacrifices Abreu home. The Yankees extend the lead to 9-3.

With a strikeout, "ballgame over, Yankees win, theeee Yankeeessss win!". The Yankees win 9-3. Queue up the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, for "New York, New York".

With the Yankees fifth win in a row (thank God), the Yankees close to within ten games of the Red Sox and five games of the Tigers for the Wild Card going into the evening games.

Bottom Line: Of course, the Rocket's performance and 349th career victory was uplifting. I really liked how the Yankees were back to playing small ball with sacrifice flies and bunts. I can't remember the last time the Yankees double stole and did it twice in the same game. Wow!

Speed kills combined with key power hits is a recipe for making a successful run, God Willing. Keep the faith!

Posted by the Tank reporting live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx.