In a game that featured Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez Robinson Cano, Gary Sheffield, Randy Johnson, Jorge Posada, Hideki Matsui and Bernie Williams, the star of last night's game was...J.P. Howell!? Yes, the Yankees were blanked by a guy who doesn't even have a photo on his player page. The 23-year old lefty threw 7 shutout innings and outdueled Randy Johnson as the Rays beat the Yankees 8-0 in the second game of a four-game series.

Johnson had a shaky outing, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings. Jose Veras gave up two runs and Octavio Dotel allowed a run (thankfully we didn't need him as much as originally thought) as well. Dotel has allowed 9 runs in 10 IP this season.

Not much to say about the Yankee offense, which recorded only four hits in the game. Gary Sheffield was 0-2 and is still looking for his first hit since coming back from his wrist injury. He made his first error at 1B as well. Cano and Jeter were each 1-4 and now trail Joe Mauer by 5 and 6 points, respectively, in the batting race. Cano can be eligible for the batting title after today's game if he gets five plate appearances (you can divide his would-be 481 PA by 155 team games played and get a number just over 3.1 or you can save yourself the trouble and just trust my math ;) ).

Well, the good thing about these games that are played after the Yanks have already clinched the division is that I can watch a game like this and when it's over I can just tip my cap to the young lefty Powell for a job well done. Nothing really significant to point out about the game besides the fact that everyone made it out in one piece and the Tigers have inched to within a half game for home-field throughout.

The Yanks and Devil Rays will resume the series this afternoon at 1:15 E.T. Mike Mussina will be on the mound to face Brian Stokes.