On most nights, in most places, against most teams, the New York Yankees would have had no worries about taking a three-run lead into the ninth inning with all-world closer Mariano Rivera on the mound.

But for some reason, the Orioles, who are annually reduced to being a September spoiler while their fat-cat rivals in the American League East are pushing for the playoffs, hold their own against Rivera.

Yankees @Orioles Tonight, 7:05, MASN, 102.7 FM Starters: Andy Pettitte (14-9, 3.81) vs. Daniel Cabrera (9-17, 5.36)