In a game that is certain to become a Yankees Classic, Derek Jeter got his 3000th career ML hit today. The Yankee Captain had five hits in five at-bats, all of them important.
Jeter hit a single between Evan Longoria and Reid Brignac to lead off the game for the Yankees, then hit a bullet over the left-field fence in the third for his 3000th career hit, then doubled in the fifth, singled in the sixth, and singled home the game winning run in the eighth inning.
Today was all about Derek Jeter, as the Yankees shortstop became only the second member of the 3,000 hit club to hit a home run for the milestone hit. Jeter also became only the second player to get five hits on the day of his 3000th hit.
Jeter's 3000th hit, a home run in the 3rd, was his first home run at Yankee Stadium since July 22nd, 2010 vs. the Royals, which was an inside-the-park shot. It was his first home run to leave the park at Yankee Stadium since June 12th, 2010 vs. the Astros. Crazy things happen when history is being made. Today was also Jeter's first five hit game since June 21st, 2005, vs. none other than the Tampa Bay Rays (Devil Rays at the time).
The Yankees held a 4-3 lead heading into the top of the eighth inning, but David Robertson surrendered a run. Still, it was Derek Jeter Day, and the Yankees would not let it go without a game winning Jeter hit. Eduardo Nunez doubled to lead off the inning, Brett Gardner sacrificed Nunez over, and Derek Jeter got his biggest hit of the afternoon, giving the Yankees the lead.
Mariano Rivera closed the game, and Derek Jeter Day was complete. It was a terrific day in the Bronx, and Frankie Camp and Yankees2 were both in attendance, so look for stories from them.
Comments of the Game: MattF15, SanAntonioGiant, ZigKitsune, and chambliss76.
Congratulations Derek, and Let's Go Yankees!