Big Hurt's Walk-Off Hurts Yanks Big

Eckstein hits a three-run homer, Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3

(NEWSER) - David Eckstein hit a three-run homer, supplying some of the power Toronto might miss without Frank Thomas, and the Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 on Sunday. A.J. Burnett (2-1) issued a season-high six walks in five innings but still managed to win for the first time in four starts. He allowed three runs and four hits. More»

We're all tired of talking about NY payroll, but it stifles baseball hope

(NEWSER) - Yes, writing about the New York Yankees’ ginormous payroll is “like writing about the heat in Phoenix. We all know it’s there, and we don’t really want to talk about it anymore,” Joe Ponanski says in what he admits is a “screed.” And though baseball’s playoffs are designed to add volatility, when you can spend $52 million more than the next-biggest spender, you’re eventually going to buy a(nother) World Series. More»

Damon's heads-up play drives Phillies to brink of elimination

(AP) - Alex Rodriguez hit a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge and the Yankees beat the Phillies, 7-4, tonight in Philadelphia to claim a 3-1 lead in the World Series. Joba Chamberlain opened the door for the Phillies, yielding a homer to Pedro Feliz with two out in the eighth to tie the score at 4, but A-Rod, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera pulled it out as the Yankees moved within one win of their elusive 27th championship. More»

Yankee slams 537th homer on emotional day for team

(NEWSER) - Alex Rodriguez smashed a 3-2 pitch from Toronto's Brian Tallet into the foul pole to claim his 537th career home run yesterday, surpassing Micky Mantle's record on the day Yankee great Bobby Murcer died. The All-Star didn't realize he had moved into 13th place on the all-time homer list until after the game, when he heard about Murcer's death, reports the New York Times. More»

(NEWSER) - Jason Giambi and the sluggish New York Yankees suddenly turned sluggerish. The Yankees played home run derby last night, with Giambi, Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit connecting in a 6-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Mike Mussina (5-3) pitched five innings for his fourth straight win and earned his 255th career victory. Mariano Rivera closed the game for his ninth save. More»