I can’t recall the last time I was at the Stadium when things were as relaxed as they were last night. The announced paid attendance was over 52,000, but there were far less who actually turned out to watch the Bombers plow past the hapless D-Rays, 8-4. Truth be told, it wasn’t a particularly exciting game. The pace was American League East Sluggish as the starting pitching for both sides was mediocre. However, there were some highlights: Derek Jeter’s first inning single, which extended his hitting streak to 22 straight; Robinson Cano’s five RBI, and Alex Rodriguez’s drive that landed half-way up the black seats in dead center. Rodriguez had three hits on the night, and helped keep a first inning rally moving by taking out shortstop Ben Zobrist with a hard, but clean slide. Jason Giambi had two hits and though Godzilla Matsui went hitless, he just got under a pitch in his first at bat and lined out hard to left later in the game.

The Yankees’ magic number was reduced to seven as the Red Sox were blanked in Baltimore last night, 4-0.

Bernie Williams celebrated his 38th birthday from the bench. At one point between innings, the P.A. blared the Beatles tune, “Birthday,” and Bernie waved to the crowd. Joel Sherman spoke with Bernabee, who remains a class act:

Williams admits having to battle the dissatisfaction of devolving from star to spectator. “I’d rather be frustrated about not playing, then accept it and then not be ready when playing time comes,” Williams said. “The frustration tells me I’m ready and I’ll be ready when they need me.”

…”I’m having a lot of fun, man,” Williams said. “I am more mature at accepting administrative decisions. It’s not that I lack fire or don’t feel frustration at times. But I can accept it and not be subversive about it.”

Meanwhile, for the latest on Mariano Rivera, check out Jack Curry’s column this morning in the Times.

And for a glimpse of the future, peep Jim Baumbach’s piece on the Yankees’ top pitching prospect, Phillip Hughes.