And once again home field advantage was the remedy. The Mets used the long ball, the timely hit, and got a good pitching effort from Jonathan Niese as they took the first of a three-game series over the central division leading St. Louis Cardinals 8-2.

They won also without their manager Jerry Manuel. Prior to the game Manuel was suspended for one game, fined an undisclosed amount arguing a final out in the top of the second inning in a Mets loss out in Los Angeles last Friday evening.

“We needed to do the things tonight to spring back the confidence from that road trip,” said Manuel who handed the managerial duties to bench coach Dave Jauss. “Home field advantage takes the guys to another level,” he said.

Jason Bay who batted .215 on the road trip, striking out 15 times also sat down and it was not because of his continued struggles at the plate. He sustained a minor concussion running into the wall at Dodger Stadium Friday night. That enabled Jeff Francoeur to get a start in right field.

Francoeur has been the odd man out in the four man outfield. And his placement in the lineup paid dividends as he smacked a three-run homer to left center off Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright in the fourth that gave the Mets a 4-1 lead they would never relinquish.

“I want to be here,” commented Francoeur. A subject of trade rumors, he may now have his job back if he continues to slug the ball like he did against Wainwright. “It’s a crazy place to play, a fun place to play,” he said.

For the first time this season the Citi Field crowd saw Carlos Beltran in the lineup. Beltran sliced a double off Wainwright his first time up in the second and would also walk and score a run in the fourth. “He’s the type of player that can take us if he gets hot,” commented Manuel about the way Beltran looked more confident at the plate.

“Our time will come as a team, my time will come,” said Beltran who also hustled and impressed Manuel running from first to third in the fourth. “Those are the types of things we have to do continually,” added Manuel elaborating further that the Mets success at home as opposed to the road, is knowing, how to play their field.

Jose Reyes also hit a two-run homer in the sixth, his 7^th, that gave the Mets their final two runs of the evening.  Runs the Mets are not used to scoring, the team’s biggest offensive game since defeating the Nationals 9-5 on July 4^th.  Prior to the game the Mets were held to four or fewer runs in 15 of their last 16 games, distancing themselves further from first place Atlanta in the NL east.

Niese, 7-4, went 6.0 innings giving up one run in the first and retired slugger Albert Pujols three times. Pujlos went 0-5 amid reports that he is suffering from a right muscle pull.  The Mets, shutout four times on the road trip also ended a 17 inning scoreless streak in the second inning with the run off Wainwright (14-6) who got the loss.

The run also snapped his scoreless streak at 26.0 innings which tied for the fifth longest in the majors. “We got the runs off a\ good pitcher and that’s a good start,” said Beltran.

A good start at home again for the Mets, a win they needed to perhaps getting them back in the divisional and wild card race.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

The most publicized event of the regularly scheduled contest between the two contenders for the American League East crown in 2010 was a downbeat and depressing occurrence. Yankee starter AJ Burnett in a moment of frustration, after the second inning, punched the door of the clubhouse and suffered lacerations from the plexiglass covering the day’s lineup.

With two outs in the first, Burnett gave up a single to Evan Longoria, who was plated by a double from Carlos Pena. First inning problems have been common to Burnett this season. He has allowed the opposition to score in the first in 14 of his 19 starts.

The second inning was not an improvement. With two outs, Jason Bartlett was hit by a pitch. The following batter, Reid Brignac, took a 1-0 pitch into the left field stands to bring the Rays lead to 3-0. After that inning, Burnett gave in to frustration.

With the Yankees only trailing by a 3-2 score, Burnett came out for the third. He hit 6he first batter, Longoria, with a pitch. With Pena at the plate, Burnett uncorked a wild pitch. Pena singled to center, and Burnett was removed from the game aft6er only throwing 43 pitches.

To add insult to the injury, Burnett, at first, told trainer Steve Donahue that he cut his hand after falling on stairs. The pitcher explained, “The plexiglass on the door came off, but didn’t shatter.” He then admitted to the truth of what happened and was in manager Joe Girardi’s office after the contest ended with a 10-5 loss to the Rays.

Girardi’s entire delayed post-game press conference was devoted to the incident involving Burnett. Girardi was peppered with queries regarding his feelings toward Bruentt’s act. He put a positive spin on the negative act, “AJ got frustrated and hit his hand on something and cut his hand at the end of the second inning. We’re fortunate the cut isn’t in his fingers. He should make his next start. He’s able to turn things around and turn the page. He has shown me he can pitch in big games [game two in the 2009 ALDS, game two in the 2009 ALCS, and game two in the 2009 World Series].”

Obviously, the manager can not condone the foolish action, which would encourage its repeat, “It’s not something AJ is proud of. It’s not something I want our guys to do. My job is to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Burnett is 33 years old and in his 11^th major league season. Although, anyone can lose his/her temper, the timing was very inauspicious. The Yanks, now two games in front of the Rays, have 73 more games to play in 2010. If Burnett misses time or continues to pitch inconsistently, it can have a disastrous affect upon the team’s chances to repeat as world champs. Burnett has lost six of his last seven decisions. His record is 7-8 and his ERA has inflated to 4.99. The question can now be asked more seriously as to whether or not the organization made a mistake by not obtaining Cliff Lee last week.

They will say that Steinbrenner, named the “boss” by the media and his piers had this passion for winning. But the way he came across at times made the “boss” appear to be what the rival Boston Red Sox would call, his “Evil Empire.” Steinbrenner took the initiative to spend money, all with one goal in mind, to bring the best to New York all for a championship. And for that he became evil.

To the New York Yankee baseball fan, Steinbrenner, on the contrary was not the evil man.  He spent and always got his man. It was Reggie Jackson in the 1970’s, Dave Winfield, Goose Gossage, Randy Johnson, Alex Rordriguez and so many more.

And his team delivered the championships he wanted, most of all wanting title after title for the city he loved, New York. Chaos and anarchy in between with fellow owners, managers, coaches and players, and two suspensions from the game would not stop Steinbrenner from becoming the most important and historical owner of  a professional sports franchise.

The tributes immediately came in when word reached from Tampa Florida early Tuesday about the passing of “the boss.”  It was a massive heart attack that ended a life of fulfillment. Because since January 3, 1973, until his last breath, all George Steinbrenner thought about was, his family and the New York Yankees.

He wasn’t seen the last few years around the Bronx. They would say “the boss” was feeling better but we all knew it was not the same Steinbrenner when he handed most of the responsibilities to his sons Hal and Hank.  And statements about a Yankee icon passing on, or about the state of his team would come from his friends at Rubenstein Associates.

We tried to get a glimpse of him when he came to the Bronx for what would be his last time, in October to take in Game 3 of the World Series. Secluded from all with the exception of the captain Derek Jeter, he anointed, and the manager Joe Girardi who was his second choice over Yankee favorite Don Mattingly.  They came to see him in his suite at the new billion dollar Yankee Stadium that is known as the “House That George Built.”

Jeter always referred to his boss as, “Mr. Steinbrenner.” We never knew why, but it had to do with respect, because Jeter considers himself, never wearing any other uniform but Yankee pinstripes and owes that all to Steinbrenner.

The new stadium was always a priority, because Steinbrenner felt his fans deserved a stadium that had all the amenities of all those other new ballparks that were built The Bronx at one time was his enemy, There were harsh words and threats to move his team across the river to the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

Cooler heads prevailed and Steinbrenner got his commitment for a new stadium. Those around him say, George would rant and rave, threaten those near him about losing their job, and some would, but he would always make peace and have that compassion to bring them back to the Bronx.

He cared about people, some who he would adopt into the Yankee family. Bill Stimers is a main stay in the Yankees press box. They met in front of the old stadium by the press gate. Stimers, a former employee of Entermann’s Bakery would give Steinbrenner a box of cookies. George would become his friend and assist him with paying off his home in Brentwood New York,

There were numerous and continued contributions to charitable organizations, sitting on boards of foundations, and always a Steinbrenner assist leaving tickets for kids in the Bronx who wanted to go to their first New York Yankee ballgame and could not afford to do so.

Ask Yankees legend Yogi Berra, and just about every player that passed through the Yankee clubhouse.  George would have his say, the football mentality in him from his assistant football coaching days at Northwestern and Purdue. But as they all say, “We kissed and made up.”

After all he was “the boss” that delivered and got the right players in place over the years, good enough for seven world championships. He wanted to win, had the desire and will, and he got it. More so his love-hate relationship with the manager Billy Martin that constantly got headlines.

Who would ever know, that this shipping baron from Cleveland Ohio with no ties to New York would eventually become the most influential and recognized owner of a professional sports franchise.

As for the media we all had some stories. There was a time Steinbrenner could be seen often at the old stadium walking from his private box through the auxiliary press box where we sat.  Jason Giambi, his $19 million a year ballplayer would ground out into a game ending double-play with the bases loaded, and the Yankees would lose a tough one.

Steinbrenner, standing above this writer would put his hands up in dismay and say, “Geez, I pay this guy 19 million for that,” And he would rant and rave later saying, “and don’t you write that or I will remember you,”

It was written, he remembered, and later requested only a select few to sit in that auxiliary box area. It got yours truly to finally have a brief face-to-face with the person they called “The boss.”

‘You were only doing your job,” he would say.”  Yeah, it was his box, his stadium and had the authority to say what he wanted. But bygones were bygones, and Steinbrenner always remembered the face.

They were his Yankees also, for New York City and the Bronx. Yankee fan or not you had to admire that personality and style.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Sheppard was born in Ridgewood, Queens in October 1910. He attended St. John’s College (now University) in Queens. Sheppard studied literature and speech in college. After graduation he became a teacher in the New York City Public School System. Climbed each rung of the ladder of advancement until reaching the position of Speech Department Chairperson at John Adams High School in Ozone Park, Queens.

To supplement the meager income of a public school teacher, he played semipro football on Long Island. Sheppard also served his country as a naval officer during the Second World War. Sheppard married and the couple raised four children.

Sheppard’s long career behind the microphone began in the 1940′s when he announced a charity football game. In 1950, his admired work led to an offer from the New York Yankees to become the team’s public address announcer. He declined because the many day games then played would interfere with his teaching responsibilities.

One year later, Sheppard went to work at Yankee Stadium. His career in the Bronx began on April 17, 1951 and ended on September 5, 2007. During that period, he announced nearly 5,000 baseball games. The Yankees were not the only local sports team that were blessed to have Sheppard announce their games. He worked as the public address announcer for the New York Giants (football) for 50 seasons. He also worked for the New York Titans (AFL), the New York Stars (WFL), the New York Cosmos (NASL) and football and basketball games at St. John’s University, his alma mater.

Sheppard has been the recipient of many honors. These have been received not because of longevity but because of skill. Sheppard had been given honorary degrees by St, John’s and Fordham University. He was honored by the BBWAA and by the Yankees. On May 7, 2000, a plaque honoring him was added to Monument Park, the hallowed ground that honors Yankee immortals. One unofficial but no less moving and important honor is the respect shown Sheppard by Yankee captain Derek Jeter. A recording of the voice of Sheppard announcing Jeter’s name is played before each of Jeter’s trips to the plate in Yankee Stadium.

The announcer was an avid reader who always carried a book he was reading into the Stadium.  He was a devout Catholic who served as a lay reader during services. He was a regular attendee and overseer of the Sunday morning Masses held at the stadium when day games were scheduled. Sheppard ate at the Yankee Dining Room with organist Eddie Layton until the latter’s death. When the new ballpark opened in April 2009, the dining area had been named to honor Sheppard, Bob Sheppard’s Place.

Sheppard is survived by his wife Mary, four children, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He also carries the respect of all who knew him.

An accomplishment because last season at the break the team was 42-45, in fourth place trailing first place Philadelphia by 6-1/2 in the standings. The Mets know they are contending, and know extra help is here with Carlos Beltran coming off the disabled list and making his season debut in San Francisco Thursday evening,

Though Beltran, out since surgery on his right knee, does present some type of dilemma for manager Jerry Manuel. Well sort of, four outfielders and three spots. Someone will have to sit among Jason Bay, Angel Pagan and Jeff Francoeur.

The plan, according to Manuel is to bat Beltran fourth, a spot currently held by the rookie Ike Davis who will be dropped to the sixth spot. And you can’t sit Pagan down, the Mets most consistent hitter who got another three hits Sunday as New York took the final game over Atlanta salvaging their three-game series.

So what will be the situation when the Mets reconvene Thursday for an 11-game three- city trip that also takes them to Arizona and Los Angeles, a trip the Mets say is crucial as the second half begins. The Mets proved to be a good team at home, 30-16 but their fortunes away from Citi Field not as good at 18-24.

“We didn’t want to go onto the break the way we played the past few days,” commented Manuel after another pitching gem by his ace Johan Santana, which ended the first half on a positive note. New York looked lethargic at the plate the past two games against the division leading Braves, and their other pitcher with first half success, Mike Pelfrey, on Saturday once again could not get past the fifth inning.

But Beltran passed through the Mets clubhouse prior to the finale Sunday, afternoon and Santana gave the team an added lift, more so optimism for a good second half. Nothing but a spot for October baseball is what the Mets want. And they believe with Beltran healthy, and the usual second half success of Santana will get them there.

Francoeur was told by Manuel that he would most likely be regulated as a bench player. Occasionally he will get the start in right, that is, if Pagan hits a tailspin and all indications are that’s not going to happen. Pagan is healthy and shows continually, he is a key offensive cog at the beginning of the lineup.

“It’s not my decision,: commented Pagan about the lineup decisions Manuel has to make, He finished the first half with a string of four consecutive multi-hit games and batted .484 with three doubles, a triple, and two home runs since July 4^th in a seven game span.

Pagan added he would like to stay in the lineup. Manuel only indicated that Beltran will get the start and Francoeur will probably sit for the moment, but there is every reason to believe that there will be a platoon of Francoeur and Pagan. Jason Bay, who sat down Sunday, on his bobble head give-away day has been an offensive disappointment but his multi-million dollar contract leaves him in the lineup.

It is no problem for Francouer, He will go with the plan, and the return of Beltran will not disrupt a Mets clubhouse that has good chemistry and has looked forward to his bat back in the lineup.  You heard the comments from the players and realize how important it is to win.

“We’re not satisfied to be three or four games out of first place,” said David Wright who entered Sunday tied for the National League lead in runs batted in with 65 and starts at third base for the NL all stars.  “Our goal is to win the division. There is need for improvement.”

Santana has improved and has thrown shutout baseball the last two starts. The fastball is back and it is helping his other pitches. Now the Mets need to get Pelfrey back into form and with R.A. Dickey and Jonathan Niese having good first halves, perhaps GM Omar Minaya will try and get another starter,  to, compliment them before the trading deadline.

There is the possible return of pitchers Oliver Perez and John Maine from the disabled list, one or the other could be going to the pen. It has been the pitching that has put the Mets in this position of contention and they would like it to stay that way.

With or without Francouer in the lineup, they know what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months. Jose Reyes also is a part of the plan and needs to stay healthy as that catalyst in the lineup.

“Obviously it’s a good problem we have, it’s a good thing to see,” said Francoeur about Beltran. A good problem for this clubhouse if indeed, Beltran stays healthy and shows signs of once again being the run producer that the Mets have lacked since April.

Francoeur said he will do his part when he is in the lineup to make sure “this team wins.”  So do the rest of these New York Mets who feel they are on the footsteps of their first postseason since 2006.

Beltran won’t hurt their chances and neither would a platoon of Pagan and Francoeur. Now if Bay can finally find his home run swing the way Santana rediscovered his fastball.

E-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Santana, (6-5) who has been struggling got the Reds to swing and miss, also getting them to hit the ball to center.  In the end it was a complete game shutout thrown by Santana, a 3-0 win, and in the process the Mets discovered that he also can contribute to the lineup.

The Mets pitching ace hit his first career home run in the third inning off Reds rookie pitcher Matt Maloney That got cheers from the crowd and also a coronation of sorts from his teammates in the dugout. “I hit it and started running,” Santana said about the home run. “I’m on the board. At least I hit one.”

It was a 12- pitch at bat for Santana. The home run ball banged off the foul pole and Santana gave his team a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish. Santana had the fastball, as well as the changeup and breaking ball working to perfection.

“I felt better throwing my fastball and it makes my other pitches better,” said Santana who won one game in his last seven starts. After the Phillips hit in the first, he would not allow another until Orlando Cabrera singled in the sixth.

The key was the fastball. It has always been a vintage pitch that has lost some velocity. But this night, Santana was throwing hard and had the command. He would allow three hits, walked three, and struck out five in throwing the Mets’ second complete- game shutout of the season.

And it wasn’t until the ninth inning before Mets manager Jerry Manuel contemplated taking Santana out of the game. But he let him finish off the Reds after a brief visit to the mound. Scott Rolen singled with one out, and then left fielder Jason Bay dropped a Jay Bruce fly ball for an error.

Bay snapped a personnel string of 263 games of errorless ball and also drove in two of the Mets runs as he continues his resurgence at the plate. As to what was said at the mound, Santana said to Manuel, “I’ll finish it, simple.”

And finish it he did. Jonny Gomes lined out and Drew Stubbs ended the game on a ground out force. “I wanted him to hear him tell me that he wanted to finish it,” explained Manuel about his visit that got some boos from the remaining 27,473 fans that braved the game time temperature of 96 degrees.

“I hate to remove a guy because of a defensive mistake,” added Manuel who said he expects big things from Santana in the second half of the season. “You see a little more in the fastball. You saw it challenging Brandon Phillips,” he said about Santana retiring the Reds .307 leadoff hitter to fly out three times to center and right.

Ready in the pen was Frankie Rodriguez the Mets stopper with 20 saves, but, as of late, having trouble closing the door. In the end, he wasn’t needed. “Of course I know what type of competitor he is and it paid off,” said Rodriguez about Santana completing the game.

Santana got his home run ball for keeps and is undefeated in four career starts against the Reds. A win for the Mets also that kept them two games in back of first place Atlanta. For Santana, even without great stuff he proves to be a competitor.

Now that the stuff is back, he also has the bat to go with it.

NOTES FROM CITI FIELD:  It was the 45^th home run by a Mets pitcher in their history and first since John Maine did it against Pittsburgh on July 24, 2007 at Shea Stadium…  The three hits tied the fewest Santana has allowed in a complete game, his seventh career complete-game shutout, and the second Mets pitcher to throw a complete-game shutout and hit a home run in the same game. The last to do that, Pete Falcone on September 29, 1981 over the Phillies 7-0 also at Shea…

Jose Reyes returned to the lineup after missing six games with a sore right oblique, finishing 2-for-4 with a run scored. The Mets improved to 30-9 when Reyes scores a run… It was the Mets 12^th shutout of the season which tied San Diego for most in baseball…

Oliver Perez threw 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, two hits and three walks and striking out seven in his second rehabilitation start for St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League… Final game of the series is this evening with Bronson Arroyo (8-4) on the mound for the Reds opposing lefthander Jonathan Niese (6-2) for New York.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Pettitte joined CC  Sabathia and Phil Hughes in double digit victories this season. The threesome are only the fourth Yankee trio of pitchers who have achieved this mark before the All-Star break in the past half-century. The feat was previously accomplished in 2003, 1998 and 1976. Of the achievement, Pettitte remarked, “I expect it from CC; Phil’s been doing an incredible job; I expect to win.”

Petitte had a rocky first inning in which he gave up three hits and the Blue Jays scored two runs, but retained his composure and bettered his pitching during the next five innings. He explained, “I felt good in the first. I was just overthrowing. They [Toronto batters] put good swings on the ball. You just have to change speeds.”

Pettitte was questioned about how he was affected by the extremely lengthy, 37 minutes, bottom of the third inning. The lefty responded to the queries, “That was a long inning. I was just trying to stay loose. I was jogging around [in the batting cage area] my legs loose. Once we scored four.” Although he would have liked to enter the game sooner than he did, he was glad the team went on a scoring binge, “It was good for them [Yankees batters]. We have been struggling a little bit.”

Petitte at 10-2 has made as good a start as ever before. He spoke of his accomplishments, “I’m glad I’m healthy. I’m glad I’m able to contribute. I’m glad I’m able to keep us in games.” His impressive record has caused his name to be mentioned as a possible member of the A.L. All-Star squad. Pettitte said the honor would please him, “It’s been nine years since my last one. It’s out of my hand.”

The Yankees starter hurled six innings. He surrendered three runs (a two-run homer by Jose Bautista in the first and a lead-off homer by Alex Gonzalez in the sixth. Petitte only gave up five hits and one walk. He retired 14 straight batters from the first through the fifth innings. Petitte has not pitched less than five innings in any of his 16 starts in 2010.

Petitte did not only do the only impressive pitching for the Yanks. Dustin Mosley made an auspicious debut with the club by retiring all six batters he faced in the seventh and eighth innings. The 28 year-old righty pitched for Angels from 2006-9 but missed 151 games due to injuries during the past two seasons. Manager Joe Girardi was impressed by the newcomer, “Thge ground balls, the strikes, the efficiency, hopefully, he can play a role for us.”

To show how crazy the game of baseball can be the Yankees had bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning yesterday and could not capitalize. Today though it was key hits by Gardner and Teixeira that turned the tide and helped starter Andy Pettitte get the 10^th win of the season, as he joins C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes in the trio of Yankee starters with 10 wins. In his 391^st career start as a Yankee Pettitte pitched well allowing three earned runs in six innings pitched, giving up five hits, one walk, and two home runs while striking out four batters.

“I am glad that I am healthy and able to contribute to the success of this team,” Pettitte said after the game. “We have a really good pitching staff and to see our guys put some big runs for us was awesome.”

Yankee Manager Joe Girardi said of his starter’s performance “Andy has been huge for us this year, to be as consistent in what he does along with the success he has had for the team throughout the year’s shows what an amazing pitcher Andy really is.”

Blue Jay starter Ricky Romero (6-5) had the shakiest start of his young career allowing eight earned runs in two and two-thirds innings pitched, giving up seven hits, two walks, one home run and one hit batsman while striking out three.

“I haven’t seen Ricky that off in a long time.” Blue Jays manager Cite Gaston said. “I think that he’s had two bad games this season and today was one of them.”  Gaston continued by saying, “He wasn’t throwing any strikes and his location was off. Any time you have that combination it usually will not turn out well.”

Toronto plated the first run in the top of the first inning as Nick Green laced a lead-off single to left field. One batter latter Jose Bautista lifted a home run (21) over the center field wall. The homer for Bautista was his first since a two home run game on June 22 versus St. Louis.

Romero was cruising for the Blue Jays until a thirty-seven minute offensive inning by the Yankees took the young lefty off the mound. Key hits by Mark Teixeira who hit a double (16) to left field, Cano and Granderson set up the inning for Gardner, who hit a 3-2 pitch over the right field fence for the fourth home run of his career. Toronto manager Cite Gaston called on relief pitcher Brian Talbot to try to stop the bleeding, but he could not do so as he gave up three consecutive walks to Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira, which would set the stage for Alex Rodriguez who placed a fly ball to center field, which was dropped by outfielder Josh McDonald. The play was scored as a double (20) and plated three runs, which would make the score 11-2 for the Yankees.

“I have never hit a grand slam before on any level,” Gardner told the press of his big hit after the game. “I have hit many homers in my life, we have been really struggling to score runs lately to it was nice to have a big inning like that.”

Nick Swisher said of his teammate’s performance today “The combination of the pitching staff and our offense today showed how baseball can really be a complete team effort. You go out and give it everything you got and when you got a guy like Romero on the ropes you have got to take advantage.”

The final run for the Blue Jays came in the top of the sixth inning as Alex Gonzalez hit a home run (15) to left center field. The Bullpen came through for manager Joe Girardi today as Dustin Moseley made his Yankee debut today. Moseley came in and got his first two strike outs as well as some key ground balls, along with breaking some bats along the way. Reliever Chan Ho Park also had a solid outing getting three fly balls to the center fielder.

“I was just trying to throw strikes,” Moseley said of his debut. “I was just trying to get the ground balls and to be able to get the strike outs was great.”

On Sunday the two teams square off for the rubber match as the Yankees hope to celebrate the Fourth of July as well as George Steinbrenner’s birthday with a win. The Yankees will send out Phil Hughes (10-2, 3.58) to take on Brandon Morrow (5-6, 4.50 ERA)

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Birthday Notes: Happy Birthday this weekend to Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman who celebrated his birthday today, while tomorrow the Yankees will celebrate “The Boss” George Steinbrenner III birthday along with the Birthday of America.

The 24 year-old, Seattle hurler, has become one of the stellar starters in the American League. Hernandez made his debut in the majors on August 4, 2005 at the age of 19 years and 118 days. He was the youngest pitcher in the majors since Jose Rijo made his first appearance with the Yankees in 1984. The Venezuelan native was drafted by Seattle in 2002 at the age of 16 as an international free agent.

Hernandez completed his best year in the majors in 2009. He was second to Zack Greinke in the A.L. Cy Young Award voting after compiling a 19-5 mark. Despite his seeming mediocre won/loss record this year (6-5), Hernandez has pitched quite well, especially in his last several starts.

Hernandez threw a complete game, giving up only two hits and three walks against the Yankees in his first start at the current Yankee Stadium. Mark Teixeira doubled to lead-off the third and Curtis Granderson doubled to lead-off the following inning. The double by Teixeira extended his consecutive game hitting streak to 11.  Hernandez fanned 11 Yankees batters, his season-high. After the contest, Hernandez told reporters, “I threw a lot of strikes. Everything was working.”

Wednesday’s start was the third straight in which Hernandez has gone nine innings. In those three games, he has given up a total of only three earned runs. He has hurled at least eight frames in five of his last six outings. He has lasted at least six innings in 15 of his 17 starts this season.

Although Yankees starter Javier Vazquez did not pitch a bad game, he was not equal to his counterpart from Seattle. In six innings, he gave up three runs and six hits. He walked two, hit one batter and struck out eight. He admitted, “I made two mistakes in location to [Milton] Bradley (solo homer to lead-off the second) and to [Michael] Saunders (solo homer to lead-off the third).

The home run ball accounted for four additional runs by the Mariners off the Yankees relievers. Russell Branyan hit a two-run homer in the seventh and Michael Saunders hit his second of the game for two more runs in the ninth.

Seattle returns for the final game of the series on Thursday afternoon. The Yanks then play a three game series of day encounters during the July 4 weekend.

It was a two-hit complete game 7-0 shut out over the potent Yankees lineup, 115 pitches and everything in his arsenal. As he said, “the slider, curveball, just tried to throw as many strikes as I could.” The Yankees could do nothing and seemed frustrated as they returned to the dugout.

Hernandez would not compare his performance to Lee. What mattered was the Mariners once again got two consecutive complete games from Lee and Hernandez.  And it was the second time this season that Lee and Hernandez won back-to[back games.

It was the third straight complete game for Hernandez, two of them going as a win. Lee got the win Tuesday evening in the Bronx, his third consecutive complete game. “It happens, it happens,” said Hernandez about what he and Lee accomplished over the Yankees the past two nights.

Was there an incentive to top what Lee did? “We’re different pitchers,” said Hernandez who has a career 15-3 record in the month of June. The 24-year old native of Valencia Venezuela also had 11 strikeouts and as play concluded moved to second in that department in the American League.

More importantly, as the Yankees have discovered, if the Mariners continue to get this type of pitching from Lee and Hernandez, well they can make some noise in the second half of the season.

“You talk about the impact that Lee has on this pitching staff, I think it pushes Felix,” commented Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu. “I thought it was the best pure stuff that Felix has shown in a game.  He really dominated and kept their hitters off balance. It was a tremendous performance.”

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about Hernandez “He’s as good as we have seen all year. His slider, changeup and curveball, he had it all working tonight. He’s got electric stuff.”

Hernandez finished the month of June with a 4-1 record and a 2.36 ERA and over his last four starts is 3-0 with a 1.26 ERA. “We knew his ability was there,” added Wakamatsu. “The key thing was getting the complete games.  Every time you have an outing like this it’s something to look back on and learn from it.”

The last time the Yankees had back-to-back complete games thrown against them was back in April of 2000 when Toronto’s Chris Carpenter and Kelvin Escobar did it up in Toronto. And it has not happened in consecutive home games since 1991.

Said Girardi, “Good pitching will always beat good hitting; that’s the bottom line.”  For the Mariners the bottom line is getting the rest of their pitching staff to follow in the footsteps of Lee and Hernandez.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com