The Associated Press
The New York Yankees' Derek Jeter reacts after the final out Monday as the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 5-3 in Game 5 to clinch the American League Division Series.

Jeter always there to save Yankees

Star shortstop solidifies place in Yankees lore with amazing plays

RONALD BLUM, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter, the heart of these New York Yankees, is always there to save them.

"I guess that's the reason he's wearing so many rings. This kid is as good as they come," Oakland manager Art Howe said. "Whenever they need a big play, he's there to make it. Whenever they need a big hit, he gets it."

Jeter solidified his place in Yankees' lore as the three-time defending World Series champions became the first team to win a best-of-five series after losing the first two games at home, beating the Athletics 5-3 Monday night.

And as Yankees manager Joe Torre and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani walked off the field arm in arm, fans stood and cheered a team whose grit and determination mirrors that of the shaken city, attempting to recover from last month's attacks on the World Trade Center.

"There was no question we knew there was a great deal of responsibility on our shoulders," Torre said.

Not going home until somebody beats us

After falling behind early, the Yankees seized on Oakland's youthful nerves to beat the A's in five games for the second straight year and advanced to a repeat matchup against the Mariners starting Wednesday in Seattle.

"We're not going home until somebody beats us," Jeter said.

Jeter's amazing backhand flip to the plate following an overthrow preserved Mike Mussina's 1-0 win in Game 3 -- and turned the series.

Monday, after getting two hits to break Pete Rose's postseason record with 87, Jeter showed the heart and skill of a champion.

With a runner on first in the eighth, he dived into the photographer's box behind third base to catch Terrence Long's foul pop. The runner advanced, but was stranded, and after the inning Jeter bandaged the cut on his elbow.

"You make your own breaks," Jeter said.

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