Fasano Finally 'Runs Into a Fastball'

The scouting report on Sal Fasano was that he's an above average catcher who will occasionally 'run into a fastball' and use all of his 245 lbs. (on a skinny day) to drive the ball. Well we finally got to see that yesterday, as he belted a 2nd inning 3-run HR 425 feet to center. It gave Wright an early lead, and he was able to cruise through 6. Jaret may have had his best stuff of the season; I've never seen his pitches move as much and as sharply as they did yesterday. He really should be credited with only 1 earned run, but he walked 2 in the 7th, and was pulled for Villone who promptly gave up a 3-run HR (in his last 10 outings, Ron's allowed 18 er over 11 ip).

And while Villone continues to sink deeper into Joe's doghouse, Brian Bruney continues to excel, adding 1.1 perfect innings yesterday. In his 9 Yankee outings, he's allowed only 1 er in 9.2 ip with 14 k.

Jeter extended his hitting streak to a career-high 20 with 2 more hits: a double and a 2-run HR.

Why, Oh Why, was 'Everyday' Scottie in there again? That's what Beam, Henn, Veras and Dotel (who hasn't pitched since Tuesday) are there for.

9-4 Yanks

3*: Wright, 6.1 ip, 3 er, 3 h, 2 bb, 2 k
2: Jeter, 2-4, 2b, HR, r, 4 rbi
2: Fasano, 2-4, HR, r, 3 rbi
1: Melky, 2-4, 2 2b, 2 r, bb