Fresh off a sweep of the Twins, the Yankees entered this series against Texas in the Bronx. On paper, it was a match-up of first place teams. In reality though, the Rangers entered this one with a record that would have been good for third place in the AL East, 24 games back of the Yankees.
Joe Torre handed the ball to Orlando Hernández to start the series off on the right foot. And when the 27th out was recorded, the Yankees had drawn first blood, thanks to a masterful performance from El Duque.
August 13: Yankees 2, Rangers 0 (box score)
Record: 88-29, .