A year ago Derek Jeter had to have heard what people - media, fans, the supposed know- it-all's and probably even opponents - were saying when he was mired in a first half slump. But anyone who has ever watched the Yankees should know that you should never count out Derek Jeter or his competitive spirit. Jeter continued his remarkable first half of the season with a four hit performance in the Yankees series opening 7-4 win over the Texas Rangers Monday night.
CC Sabathia was the benefactor of Jeter's hits and a 3-run blast from Alex Rodriguez to pick up his second straight win. The left-hander was at his best from the second through fifth innings as the Yankees built a 7-1 lead. He allowed a solo home run to Josh Hamilton in the 6th and a 2-run single to Craig Gentry in the 7th before he tossed a scoreless 8th inning. Mariano Rivera retired the Rangers in order in the 9th for his 4th save.
Jeter got the Yankees going in the top of the first with single off of Derek Holland, who has yet to beat the Yankees in six career starts. The Yankees loaded the bases on a single by Robinson Cano and a walk to A-Rod. Holland struck out Mark Teixeira for the second out of the inning, but Curtis Granderson came through with a clutch 2-run base knock.
With the lead cut in half, the Yankees took control in the 5th when Chris Stewart drew a lead off walk and Jeter singled. Nick Swisher's sac fly increased the Yankees lead to 3-1 before A-Rod followed a walk to Cano with his 3rd home run of the season. The long blast to center nearly doubled the third baseman's RBI total (4 to 7).
Notes
Despite a plus-4.00 ERA, Sabathia is now 11-3 vs. Texas in 17 career starts.
The night was Jeter's second 4-hit game and eighth multi-hit game of the season.
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