Turn-Back-The-Clock Bernie Topples Nats 7-5

Game Winning HR Caps 4 Hit Night

Bernie Williams knows that his days in a Yankees uniform grow shorter and shorter, but for now he's going to make the most of it. Williams hit the game winning home run Friday night as the Yankees rallied from a 5-3 deficit to top the Washington Nationals 7-5. Playing in RFK Stadium for the first time since September 30, 1971. Ironically, the Washington Senators led that game 7-5 before fans stormed the field, resulting in a forfeit.

This time the Nationals led 5-3 in the 8th when Williams led off with a single off of reliever Gary Majewski. Singles by Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon loaded the bases with one out with the heart of the Yankees order coming up. Melky Cabrera, who earlier in the game was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, came through with a line single to left that cut the margin to 5-4. The ball went past the oustretched dive of shortstop Royce Clayton who had to leave the game with a bruised shoulder.

Derek Jeter then worked a seven pitch walk to force home the tying run. Former Yankee Mike Stanton came on to get Jason Giambi on a pop-up and closer Chad Cordero struck out Alex Rodriguez as the Yankees stranded three.

In the 9th, Bernie Williams continued his hot streak turning on a Cordero (2-2) fastball and driving it over the 380 ft. sign in right-center. Yankees fans filled out a large portion of the 44,000-plus in attendance and serenaded the game with chants of "Bernie, Bernie". Williams has gone 9-15 over the last four games to raise his average from .260 to .286. The hits have included 2 home runs and 4 doubles.

Johnny Damon's sacrifice fly gave the Yankees an insurance run and Mariano Rivera (4-3), who came on with one out in the 8th after Kyle Farnsworth was forced to exit with back spasms, easily retired the side in order in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win.

Yankees starter Jaret Wright struggled throughout the night and was pulled after walking lead off hitter Nick Johnson in the 6th. Johnson came around to score on rookie Ryan Zimmerman's hit and run double off of Scott Proctor. Proctor retired the next 6 men he faced to keep the Bombers in the game. Wright earlier allowed Alfonso Soriano's 24th home run of the season, a 2-run shot well over the 410-ft sign in center field.

The National started rookie right hander Shawn Hill who appeared to be ready to exit the ball game in the 4th after hitting Cabrera. But Hill bounced back and got Jeter to bounce into an innnig ending double play. Hill was in position to win the game after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings.

Notes

Bernie Williams has 4 of his 6 home runs in June. The warm weather and increased playing time seem to agree with him.

Alex Rodriguez struck out twice more in big situations, slamming his bat down in frustration when he left the bases loaded in the 8th. Hitting coach Don Mattingly believes he has found a mechanical flaw in Rodriguez's swing that has caused him to shift his weight forward too quickly. This has resulted in a decrease in bat speed.

Kyle Farnsworth fielded Jose Vidro's eighth inning grounder, threw to first for the out, and immediately doubled over with back spasms. His back completely locked up on him and he's expected to miss the remaining games in the series. In need of an extra arm, the Yankees are expected to recall T.J. Beam from Triple-A Columbus. Beam started the season at Trenton before being promoted. Kevin Thompson will be demoted to make room on the roster.

Octavio Dotel threw 1 1-3 innings at Columbus last night as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Dotel threw 32 pitches, 21 for strikes, while allowing 2 hits and striking out 3.