After what was perhaps their worst loss of the season so far, the Yankees responded yesterday afternoon with a 7-4 victory over the archrival Red Sox. The Big Unit wasn't exactly on the top of his game, but he got the job done. Johnson allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and struck out 10 in 6 innings of work. Red Sox' hurler Matt Clement wasn't as good, as he walked 5 batters and gave up 6 runs in only 2 and 2/3 innings.

The bulk of the Yankees' scoring came in the 3rd inning. Clement retired the first two batters but could not find the strike zone all day and it finally caught up to him after he threw behind Gary Sheffield. Sheffield took the next pitch over to the green monster for a double off the wall and Alex Rodriguez followed with a two-run homer. The next four Yankees also reached base, capped off by a two-run double off the left field wall by John Flaherty.

Robinson Cano had another good game at the plate, going 3-5 with 3 singles. Cano has now raised his average to .301. This guy is just a solid hitter and it's amazing to see what he's been able to do at the plate in only his rookie season. He plays like he's been here for years. I guess he's just got that personality. He's very laid back and every time he comes up with a big hit or makes a nice play he acts like he's done in a thousand times before. I think he definitely deserves some serious condideration for Rookie of the Year when the season is over.

Al Leiter will make his 2005 Yankees debut this evening as he takes on Tim Wakefield to finish this four-game set before heading to Texas on Monday.