Yankees Back on Top

A swarm of midges provided a familiar backdrop for a battle of laboring lefties in Cleveland Friday night. The Yankees overcame flashbacks to the mistake by the lake beating the Indians 3-1. Andy Pettitte managed a gimpy back through five grueling innings. Alfredo Aceves arrived as advertised, wearing his radar gun reading on his back (91), and proceeded to provide a potent nine out bridge to The Great Rivera. Game over.

Thirteen wins in sixteen games have the Bombers back where it all began--first place. Joe Girardi has managed to mesh big money talent with a crew of castoffs. A timeless formula is rekindled--winning works.

PHOTO/NEWSDAY