A-Rod's Day to Remember

Do not intentionally walk Mark Teixeira.

Manny Acta certainly wasn't paying attention when Twins manager Ron Gardenhire intentionally walked Mark Teixeira to loaded the bases back on May 14. For that matter, neither manager may have looked at A-Rod's career numbers when a player is intentionally walked in front of him. Just as A-Rod did with Gardenhire, he quickly made Acta regret his decision by belting his 20th career grand slam. It helped the Yankees roll to an 11-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians and a series win (3 out of 4).

Rodriguez drove in six runs all told and is now 5-5 with three home runs and 18 RBI when Teixeira gets a free pass in front of him. Andy Pettitte was the recipient of the run support, but he didn't need it.

Pettitte tied Whitey Ford on the all time MLB career wins list with his 236 triumph. He allowed just four hits over seven innings, and, just as A.J. Burnett did on Sunday, gave the bullpen a much needed rest. In doing so, Pettitte lowered his ERA to an AL third best 2.48.

For the second straight game, it took a while for the Yankees offense to get going. They led just 2-1 against Indians starter Mitch Talbot entering the 7th inning. That's when the game changed quickly.

Derek Jeter had a sore hamstring from being hit by a pitch earlier in the game, but delievered a one out single to knock Talbot from the game. Curtis Granderson greeted left-handed reliever Raffy Perez with a single of his own to send pinch-runner Ramiro Pena to third and set up the big decision for Acta.

After the walk to Teixeira, Acta called on righty Chris Perez to face Rodriguez, who is now in sole possession of third place on the all-time grand slam list behind Lou Gehrig (23) and Manny Ramirez (21). The Memorial Day crowd had barely settled back in their seats from celebrating Rodriguez's heroics when Robinson Cano ripped a solo shot to right for his 11th home run of the season.

Notes

The Yankees open a three game series tonight with the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Javier Vazquez starts things off against left-hander Brian Matusz.

photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports