Now that's more like it

It took the lowly Kansas City Royals and Brian Bannister to get the Yankees back on track, but I'll take any series win at this point in the season.

The Yankees scored 15 runs on 17 hits, four of which left the park. 10 of those runs were charged to Bannister who only recorded three outs.

It wasn't pretty for the Yankees in the top of the first inning. Mike Mussina gave up three runs and four hits and didn't look to remain in the game long enough to even think about earning his 16th victory of the season. Things changed for the better in the bottom half of the frame, as the Yankees scored six runs and were off. They would go on to score five more runs in the next two innings while Mussina retired the final 15 batters he faced after a single in the second inning.

In total, Mussina (16-7) gave up three runs over six innings (a quality start!), striking out five and walking none. Billy Traber and Chris Britton gave up three runs, but that's why they're pitching in blowouts and not close games.

Don't look now, but Derek Jeter is approaching the .300 mark. His 4-for-4 afternoon puts him at .295 on the season. Alex Rodriguez went 3-for-3 with a three-run home run and 5 RBI. Jason Giambi hit a second-inning grand slam, and Xavier Nady and even Cody Ransom hit long balls.

After an off day tomorrow, the Yankees will begin a three-game series in Toronto on Tuesday.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)