Damon Keeps Yankees Going

Oct 08, 05:00 AM

Current Headlines: By Bob Nightengale

NEW YORK -- New York Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon, who has always had a flair for the dramatic, wasn't ready for this Broadway show to end.

Damon saved the Yankees' season from ending Sunday night, sparking a come-from-behind 8-4 win against the Cleveland Indians.

The Yankees trail the best-of-five American League Division Series two games to one with Game 4 tonight at Yankee Stadium, but they were spared the indignity of being swept in a postseason series for the first time since 1980.

"Today was huge," Damon said. "It gives us another day of life."

The win also keeps alive the possibility of another theatrical October between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, who swept the Los Angeles Angels with a 9-1 victory Sunday, will host Game 1 of the AL Championship Series on Friday.

"I know the Red Sox are waiting for the next team," said Damon, who has seven postseason homers. "Hopefully, it's us. One win can really do a lot for us."

Damon, who played for the 2004 Red Sox team that overcame a three-game deficit in the ALCS against the Yankees en route to a World Series title, knows how momentum can change in this game. His home run turned a 3-2, fifth-inning deficit into a 5-3 lead.

"The name is Johnny Damon. And he's very special," said Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who ended his 18-at-bat postseason drought with two singles.

Rookie Phil Hughes also contributed, pitching 3â..." scoreless innings in relief of injured starter Roger Clemens (strained hamstring).

The victory spared Yankees manager Joe Torre for at least a day. Owner George Steinbrenner told The Record of Hackensack, N.J., that Torre won't be back if the Yankees lose their fourth consecutive postseason series.

Contributing: David Leon Moore in Anaheim, Calif. (c) Copyright 2005 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.