Close for eight

But then the potent Yankee offense (assisted by KC's bullpen) blew the game open in the 9th. Arod's one-out rbi single (on a 94 mph fastball) started the five-run rally.

Some very nice defensive plays by Melky (taking over RF as Abreu sat against the LHP), Matsui, Cano and Phillips.

Clemens pitched another solid game, going seven innings of two-run ball for the win - no walks, three Ks; his era is down to 3.72. Vizcaino looked untouchable as he pitched another perfect 8th inning (with two Ks).

The Yanks scored nine runs, but ironically failed to hit one HR. That's a good sign in my opinion. I don't trust teams that rely on the HR.

- Elsewhere, Scranton's game was rained out, so Phil Hughes will start Tuesday night. This sucks, because it means Hughes' return to the Bigs might be delayed an extra day - that could mean another start for Igawa, and, if lost, could mean the difference between making the playoffs and not.

- Austin Jackson had a nice write-up by Baseball America today, as did a 20-year old Panamanian outfielder playing for the Dominican Yankees.