By the time Alex Rodriguez came to bat in the first inning the Yankees had a 3-0 lead. Curt Schilling did not throw at Rodriguez, nor did any other Boston pitcher. Schilling had troubles of his own–as did his fielders–as the Yankees added single runs in the second, third and fourth. Andy Pettitte pitched a terrific game, and was helped out by two key double plays (including one very slick play by Robinson Cano). Godzilla Matsui and Mr. Minky both homered as the Bombers won, 8-3.

Over at his blog, 38 Pitches, Schilling called his performance “a craptastic finish to what could have been a nice series. I never gave us a chance to even get into this game.”

Kyle Farnsworth upset the good mood temporarily with a characteristically shaky performance in the eighth inning, but Mariano Rivera struck out the side looking in the ninth, with home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor providing the theatrics. Bucknor’s exaggerated strike-three call certainly did not make it any easier for the Red Sox. Lugo, who was called out on an absolutely nasty cutter that hit the inside corner on the plate, got in Bucknor’s face. The YES announcers were cracking up–Paul O’Neill mentioned how angry hitters get when they feel like the umpire is putting too much mustard on a call. For Yankee fans, it was a much-needed moment of levity. A fine way to end the evening.

Couple of things:

Derek Jeter had three hits last night, including a triple. He tied and then passed Joe DiMaggio on the all-time Yankee hit list.

Jason Giambi, who went 0-4 last night and is mired in a hitting slump, met with MLB officials yesterday, then was tight-lipped about what went on when confronted about the meeting later by reporters.

It’s official: Carl Pavano will undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his misbegotten term in pinstripes.

Roger Clemens labored through a minor league start last night in Trenton. There is no word yet if he’ll pitch once more in the minors or if his next start will be in the big leagues.