Yanks escape subway crash

The Yankees' subway series doubleheader Friday, started bad --a 15-6, "embarrassment"--and figured to get worse. When the Bombers got off the bus from the Bronx, the marquee in Queens read Pedro vs. Ponson. Adding to the angst, was the pre-game transaction that returned Kei Igawa to the scene of the crime. Fans battling traffic and paying premium prices had to be wondering, "Why?"

David Cone provided the headline for the nightcap, "Opportunity central for another Yankees' pitcher." Not exactly, " the pride and the pinstripes," but it is what it is.

Ponson waddled to the mound and borrowed a page from Ali's rope a dope strategy. Eight base runners reached in three innings, but no one scored--go figure. Igawa warming up, ("If the thunder don't get you the lightning will."--Grateful Dead.) signaled the brink of disaster. The Bombers' bats saved the day, putting nine runs on the board. Sir Sidney Ponson pitched six shutout innings, Kei Igawa pitched a scoreless ninth, lowering his ERA to 13.50. Against all odds, the Yankees salvaged a split. Go figure.