New York - In a battle appropriate for the final season in Yankee Stadium, the American league emerged victorious in an extra innings showdown that had GREAT drama, even better pitching, and a victory - -not a tie - - like the last long All Star game.

Boston Reliever Jonathan Papelbon ingnited the ires of the home town yankee fans when the NY Daily News interviewed him earlier, saying he wanted the ball in the 9th if a save opportunity were on the line. He ACTUALLY deferred, though, and said he'd understand that NY Yankee veteran close Mariano Rivera was the likely candidate, as he was the "godfather" of relievers, and deserved at least that. The paper ran the story as if Papelbon had called him pathetic, and demanded the ball, and the headlines read Papelbum. Papelbon did pitch, to crazy loud boos by the Yankee faithful.

Let me just say that the Red Sox, and their players, are the Goliath's that my favorite Angels can't beat. I hold no positive feelings for any of their players, but Papelbon got the sh*t end of the stick on this story.

Anyway, Locals did well. Saunders pitched one inning, no walks, no runs, no strikeouts and one hit. Santana gave up a run but struck out two in the inning he worked.

Now, let's get back to Halo Baseball.