The Yankees reduced their magic number by 25% in a game that can be described both as exciting and brutally ugly.

The exciting: A 2-run shot by Alex in the 6th and another from Jetes in the 7th to give the club a single run lead, 4-3. Add a splash of batting around in the top of the ninth and adding three runs with RBIs by Bernie, Bobby and Andy (7-3 NYY) and you've got a seemingly delicious, stress free winning recipe for the Yankees Universe.

The ugly: The bullpen almost gave away the lead in the bottom ninth, as Ron Villone struck Rios out but walked Wells and gave up a single to Overbay. Torre called on Octavio Dotel. Troy Glaus immediately took Dotel deep, 7-6 NYY.

I'm not sure if Dotel has been allowed enough time to prove himself. I doubt he will receive any more time after this ugly 9th inning performance. Enter Mike Myers. Myers induces Hattig to fly out. As I begin to contemplate sitting back down, Jason Phillips singles. Enter Jose Veras, who gets Aaron Hill to fly out, game over.

Not convincing, but we'll take it. The magic number is now three.