Facing a pack of ex-Yankees (Ron Villone, Wil Nieves, Alberto Gonzalez, Christian Guzman and Nick Johnson all saw action in this one), the home team beat the Nationals on Tuesday night, thanks to a rally in the 7th and a solid appearance by CC Sabathia.

The Yankees offense had a tough time with Shairon Martis, who entered the game with a 5-1 record, but a 5.04 ERA and without a win since May 13. Nonetheless, after 6 innings, he allowed just 2 runs (1 earned) over 4 hits and 5 walks. He excited with a 3-2 lead.

But, old friend Villone relieved him and gave back the lead, thanks to RBI doubles by Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano. Villone had had a 0.00 ERA through 19 appearances this year, but he has now allowed 4 earned runs in as many games and taken the loss in each and every one.

Cano had delivered an RBI single in the 3rd to give the Yankees their second run, following a Melky Cabrera sac fly in the second that scored the second baseman, who was 4 for 4 on the night.

Brian Bruney, activated today, saw some high leverage work, relieving Sabathia with 2 outs and a runner on first, in the seventh. He retired the only batter he faced, sitting down Ryan Zimmerman.

It wasn't all roses, though. Derek Jeter was removed abruptly after the seventh and the Yankees later announced that he was pulled due to stiffness in his left ankle. Hopefully nothing serious.

His replacement, Ramiro Pena jumped right in, adding an insurance run on an RBI single in the eighth. Designated hitter Hideki Matsui had walked to lead off the inning, only to have Brett Gardner pitch run. Gardner was the player that Pena drove in.

Why do I mention this? Well, Girardi opted to keep Gardner in the game, moving Melky Cabrera to right field and bringing Mariano Rivera in the game. In other words, we lost the DH.

But, it didn't matter because Mo set down their 4-5-6 hitters in order, retiring Elijah Dukes, Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns for save number 15, the 497th of his career.

Cano was the only hitter to have more than a single hit as he had as many as everyone else in the lineup, combined. Damon had one of those and scored 2 runs.

New dad Chien-Ming Want (0-4, 14.34) starts tomorrow against John Lannan (3-5, 3.51) at 7:05 PM ET.

Recap records: Patrick: 18–9, Seamus: 15–12, Andrew: 4–6.