After an opening weekend that made Yankee Stadium look like Coors Field East, a cyncial man would say the Yankees did something to the baseball to keep it from flying over the fences in Tuesday's 5-3 victory against the A's. A scientific man would argue that four games of data isn't nearly enough to draw any substantial conclusions about the park. A guy who just watched the game would say that Andy Pettitte's got his groove back.
Pettitte threw seven innings, allowed two runs and won for the second time in three starts this season. In all three of the starts, he's pitched at least seven innings and has turned in a quality start each time. That's big for a team that's had its bullpen stretched several times already this young season, and huge for a pitcher who looked lost over the second half last season.
The vintage Pettitte has been back this April, though, and, fittingly, his win was saved by Mariano Rivera. It was the 57th time that's happened, tying Dennis Eckersley and Bob Welch for the major league record. The only blip for the Yankee Staff was Brian Bruney's eighth. He allowed two hits and a run, the first time he's allowed either since Opening Day.
And, while we're still here, the power didn't completely go out of the stadium. The Yankees did hit one home run, a solo shot to the infamous right field by Johnny Damon, but the night was about Pettitte and not the offense.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.
