Wetteland Produces Win and a Rare Hit

NEW YORK â€”  John Wetteland was about to make his first trip to the plate in three years, and he had nothing to bring with him.

Using Billy Ripken’s bat and a helmet worn by former Ranger Dean Palmer, he hit an RBI double in the 10th inning Saturday and picked up a win against his former team as Texas beat the New York Yankees, 8-5.

Wetteland was forced to bat because the lineup was juggled in the eighth inning when designated hitter Ivan Rodriguez was moved to catcher. The Rangers lost their designated hitter in the switch, forcing Wetteland to the plate for the first time since June 14, 1994, when he played for the Montreal Expos. He was six for 41 (.146) in the National League.

The relief pitcher, who signed with Texas as a free agent and was making his first mound appearance in Yankee Stadium since last October, has two wins and a save in four appearances against New York this season.

Wetteland, who saved all four of New York’s World Series wins last year to be named MVP, doubled off Ramiro Mendoza after pinch-hitter Domingo Cedeno’s RBI single had given the Rangers a 6-5 lead.

Third baseman Charlie Hayes committed three errors as New York’s winning streak ended at three. Joe Girardi had a triple and a double for the Yankees.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO:

New York Yankees

WHERE:

at Anaheim Stadium

WHEN:

Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Wednesday (DH),

4, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 7 p.m.