Unit fires Yankees past Indians 2-0 (3/19)

The Yankees starting lineup got a boost with the return of Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Bernie William, but Randy Johnson's pitching was the story on Sunday. A sharp biting slider and a fastball that topped out at 93 mph help Johnson blank the Indians for six innings. Johnson, who had pitched very well in his last start against the Cardinals, was even better this time out. He allowed just 4 hits, struck out 9, including the side in the 2nd innings, and didn't walk a batter.

The Yankees offense gave Johnson an immediate boost in the first inning. Damon lead off with a single and scored all the way from first when Jeter ripped a pitch just inside the third base foul line for a double. Jeter, who went to third on the play, then scored on a Jason Giambi single.

The Yankees looked to add to the lead in the second when Bernie Williams' lead-off walk was followed by the first of Robinson Cano's two singles. Indians starter Jason Johnson bounced back though, striking out Kelly Stinnett and inducing Johnny Damon to bounce into a 5-4-3 double play.

The fans in attendance didn't realize that they were seeing Al Leiter's last appearance when he came on to pitch the 7th inning. Leiter announced his retirement before the game. After getting a lead=off ground out, pitching Ron Guidry came out and pulled Leiter from the ballgame. His teammates awaiting him in the dugout gave him a standing ovation. Mike Myers, Kyle Farnsworth, and Tanyon Sturtze finished up the shutout.

Cano's two hits raised his spring average to .358. Eric Duncan, who figures to see less playing time with the regulars back, singled in his only at-bat to raise his average to .414.