IT WAS OVER WHEN …

Closer George Sherrill struck out the side in the ninth. Sure, Sherrill made it interesting by allowing the Yankees to get within one run, but he sat down Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit on strikes to clinch a series win in the Bronx, 7-6.

O’S FANS CHEERED …

When first baseman Kevin Millar homered to lead off the fourth inning. It was Millar’s second home run in as many games at Yankee Stadium, and gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead. The clubhouse leader has four home runs in his last five games.

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O’S FANS JEERED …

When the ultimate Yankee, Alex Rodriguez, homered off Daniel Cabrera in the sixth inning. Rodriguez hits Cabrera well, and his fourth career home run off the right-hander accounted for the Yankees’ first run of the game.

FANTASY STUD …

Designated hitter Aubrey Huff is on fire in July. He went 4-for-5 Tuesday, including his 32nd double and 22nd home run. He finished the game with four RBIs, and became just the third player to homer off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera all season.

GOOD CALL …

By right-hander Jim Johnson to throw whatever breaking ball he did with two-strikes and two outs in the eighth inning. Johnson’s nasty curveball on the outer half of the plate caught pinch-hitter Xavier Nady looking. New York scored two runs in the inning and was threatening with two more runners on base at the time.

BAD CALL …

By Daniel Cabrera to plunk Rodriguez in the eighth inning. Cabrera was ejected for the pitch, which came after the Yankees designated hitter victimized Cabrera with a long home run to center field. Cabrera gave the Orioles seven strong innings nonetheless.

IF ONLY …

Daniel Cabrera could pitch in Yankee Stadium every time out. The inconsistent fire-baller seems to focus more in the old ballpark, which is known to rattle some young pitchers. Cabrera, who threw a one-hitter in the Bronx in 2006, scattered eight hits and three runs to pick up win No. 7.