The early game

The New York Yankees were 0-for-4 at the plate last night in the first game and still won. It helps when you're spotted an 8-6 lead. The Orioles scored once in the ninth against Mariano Rivera on Corey Patterson's double and Ramon Hernandez's pinch-hit single. Brian Roberts singled with two outs after barely missing a walk-off home run, but Brandon Fahey bounced into a force. John Parrish took the loss, one month after the game began.

Hot Hernandez

These pseudo-doubleheaders must agree with Hernandez. He went 4-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs on the night. Hernandez had three straight singles, including two in his first two at-bats in the regularly scheduled game. The second, in the third inning, drove in two runs. But he can't say that he strung together three hits, since the first one counted for the June 28 game.

No homers for Rodriguez

Camera flashes lighted up the ballpark more than the light towers whenever Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez stepped to the plate. He needed one home run to reach 500 for his career, and fans wanted to capture the moment. Or at least his stance while he waited for the pitch. A sell-out crowd of 47,952 didn't witness history. Rodriguez grounded out in his only at-bat in the completion of the first game and went 0-for-2 with two walks in the second game.

On deck

The Orioles continue their series against the Yankees tonight, with Brian Burres making his first start since July 16. The left-hander will oppose Roger Clemens, who was denied his 350th career win in his last visit to Camden Yards. Clemens is 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA at home and 1-3 with a 6.08 ERA on the road. He's holding left-handed hitters to a .200 average, compared to .268 for right-handers.