It’s official, folks.  The Yankees are hot.  Andy Pettitte threw 7 scoreless innings last night and the Yankees pounded out 8 runs on 11 hits to make this one look easy.  They got some defensive help as well last night.  Pitching, offense and defense, the Yankees are clicking on all cylinders.  It couldn’t have come at a better time as the Yankees got the news that ace Chien-Ming Wang will miss at least 6 weeks with a foot injury.

The Yankees started their scoring in the 2nd with home runs by Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi.  Giambi followed this up with another long homerun in his 2nd at bat in the 4th inning, this time a 2-run shot to deep centerfield.  The Yanks tacked on 3 more runs in the frame after an error by Padres 2nd baseman Craig Stansberry extended the inning for them.  Derek Jeter drove in an 8th inning run to complete the scoring for the bombers. 

Andy Pettitte looked spectacular in his 7 innings of work allowing just 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9.  He also picked off his 87th runner of his career in the 2nd.  He was helped also by some spectacular defense by Melky Cabrera, the only Yankee who didn’t get into the mix offensively, making a beautiful diving catch in deep centerfield in the 1st inning. 

It was a great win for the Yanks as they seem to be playing with much more confidence now that they have their ‘A’-lineup in there everyday.  Giambi looks like he is ready to carry the team on his shoulders and A-Rod over the last 2 weeks is putting up numbers that rival last years’ incredible season.  Interleague play has come just at the right time for the Yankees.