.:NUMBER 2 SHOWS WHY YANKS ARE NUMBER 1:.

Of all the nicknames Derek Jeter's phenomenal play has inspired over the last 10 years, the only one that seems to stick is Captain Clutch. And last night he removed any doubt from the few non-faithful as to why that is. His scorching 5-5 performance (2 Singles, 2 Doubles, 1HR, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored) was the catalyst in a Yankee onslaught that delivered on the promise of high-octane offense to match the high intensity of the Yankee Stadium crowd. He is now one of six players to get five hits in one postseason game, joining fellow Yankee Hideki Matsui, who accomplished the feat in the 1994 ALDS. Of course, Abreu was the Yankee who capitalized on being in the 3-hole with 4 RBI of his own. But it was Jeter's seemingly relentless drive to get on base that reflected an urge to win that spilled over from his spot near the top of the lineup and drenched the Yanks with confidence and drive.

Jeter now holds the all-time postseason hits record with 147, a product of both the Yankees perennial precence in October play and his ability to take advantage of hit at-bats with an approach that holds fear at bay. He also owns second place all-time in postseason runs scored.

It was a beautful thing to watch. We'll see how he does tonight, although it'll be hard to match the opener.