-Apparently, the Yankees forgot that there was a game against Baltimore yesterday getting trounced 12-2 to lose two of three and see their AL East lead sliced to 1.5 with the big five-game series at Fenway Park looming starting later today. How bad was this game? So bad that after Robby Cano’s home run actually put them up 2-1, the Orioles ran off the last 11 runs which included two consecutive three-run innings and one five spot in an ugly sixth which featured Derek Jeter and A-Rod miscommunicating to drop a ball. Not that it mattered by that point. The damage was already done. The third baseman couldn’t be blamed for the miscue as it was his ball but the Yankee team captain called it and the ball fell off Rodriguez’ glove. Jeter was charged with the error. When your two best players on the left side can’t even get it right, you know it’s not your day. It also wasn’t a good one for Jaret Wright, who lasted just three innings giving up five earned to suffer the loss. The comebacking Octavio Dotel also was roughed up for three runs on three hits in two-thirds. Making his second straight appearance, he threw 22 pitches (15 strikes) but like most Yankee pitchers, took it on the chin. Just call it a wasted day in the Bronx. They now will embark on the pivotal five-gamer up in northern Massachusetts starting with the popular Day/Night doubleheader Friday. This is a potential make-or-break series for both clubs. Something’s got to give.

-Meanwhile, the Mets rebounded from losing three in a row to Philly by salvaging the final game with a 7-2 victory. Carlos Delgado snapped out of it with two homers and four RBI’s. He finished the day with three hits. Carlos Beltran also had a huge day going 4-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Staked to an early four-run lead, John Maine continued to pitch well, going the first six to notch his third win. The only runs he allowed were courtesy of a Ryan Howard two-run blast in the fourth. The second-year slugging Phillie first baseman now leads the NL with 42 dingers and 108 RBI’s. Did we mention he’s also batting .299? Right now, there aren’t many pitchers who can get the emerging star out. So Maine can’t be too upset. Especially considering he pitched in and out of further trouble a couple of times. Pedro Feliciano also got a big out in the seventh by getting Chase Utley looking to strand the bases loaded. Hopefully, this win will put an end to the sudden panic from some Amazin fans who just aren’t satisfied unless their team wins every game. How quick times change.