Plain and Simple: Yankees 7, Orioles 4

After an off-day and a rain out, it seems the extra rest only helped the Yankees today. The offense exploded for seven runs, headlined by Alex Rodriguez's three-run homer in the first inning. Every Yankee had a hit tonight except Curtis Granderson (who reached base on a walk).

Derek Jeter contributed with a weak dribbler for an RBI in the second inning. Robinson Cano slapped a two-run double to put the Yankees up 6-0. Jorge Posada launched a solo shot in the fifth inning to cap off the scoring for the Bombers, his fourth of the year. Strangely enough, four of Posada's six hits have been homers. More after the jump.

The biggest story of the game was A.J. Burnett, at least before hitting the 100-pitch mark. He threw 53 pitches through the first two innings... but only 43 in the next four. Burnett totaled 6.1 innings of zero runs before surrendering four runs on three hits and a walk (including homers by Matt Wieters and Brian Roberts). What seemed destined to be a quality start was quickly turned into passable. Regardless, he picks up his league leading third win of the season (yes, you DID read that correctly).

The bullpen operated very efficiently tonight. David Robertson came on to finish the 7th inning, followed by Rafael Soriano in the 8th and Mariano Rivera in the 9th. The three combined for 2.2 innings, one hit, and three strikeouts.

Rivera picked up save number five on the season and now has 564 career saves.

This seems to be a recurring theme now in recap posts... so why change the formula? Derek Jeter tacked on two hits tonight. He's now 65 hits away from 3000. He tied Barry Bonds for 31st on the all-time hits list.

Alex Rodriguez passed Ken Griffey Jr. and is now tied with Ted Williams for 13th on the all-time RBI list at 1,839. Impressive company, to say the least.

Hats off to Doug Eddings behind the plate tonight! Great strikezone and he called "strike" and "ball" loudly and clearly so that the TV audience could hear.

Play of the Game: Alex Rodriguez's homer in the first inning increased the New York's chances of winning by 29.2%

Comment of the Game: Long Time Listener's analysis of Jeter's "hits."