Derek Jeter blooped a single to right, driving in the tying run. In the top of the tenth inning the Yanks belted two homers and came away with an 8-5 win. It was at that point that most figured you could blow Taps on the Red Sox’ chances to make the post-season.

Last weekend’s games between the Red Sox and the Yankees is but the latest episode in a long running feud that dates back to the early 20th Century. In more recent years, these two teams have given us some of our most memorable post-season showdowns.

In 2003, Boston and New York battled it our in the American League Championship Series, with the Yankees winning Game Seven on a dramatic extra-inning homer by Aaron Boone. In 2004, the Yanks again played the Sox and led Boston three games to none, when David Ortiz homered to give Boston a come-from-behind win in Game Four. The Red Sox went on to win the next three games against all odds and followed that up with a four-game sweep of the hapless St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic.

Alas, this season will not see a Yankee - Red Sox rematch.

Boston’s recent folding act revealed just how weak the Red Sox’ pitching staff is. Curt Shilling is still a great pitcher but doesn’t have enough gas to get into the late innings. Josh Beckett has shown signs of brilliance, but has lacked consistency all year. Beyond these two stars, Boston’s mound corps is an iffy proposition. Pappelbon has been a great surprise in the closer’s role, but middle relief has been woeful. As a result, no Boston lead is ever safe.

To make matters worse, Boston did not do anything before the trading deadline to improve their staff.

Contrast this to the Yankees. New York has also had pitching woes but has somehow managed to keep the staff afloat. On offense, the Yanks have been prolific, in spite of season-long injuries to sluggers Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui. Role players like Melky Cabrera have stepped up and played very well.

Further, New York traded for Bobby Abreu just before the trading deadline and the former Phillie has delivered in a big way. Batting out of the Number Three hole, Abreu has repeatedly come up with big hits when the Yanks need them most. The first five hitters in the Yankees’ revised lineup is enough to give any opposing pitcher an ulcer. Johnny Damon leads off, followed by Jeter, Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Jason Giambi. This powerhouse lineup, keep in mind, is missing Sheffield and Matsui. If those two come back, I don’t think any team will be able to stop the Yanks this season.

Over in the National League, the Mets have ran away with the East Division and, until recently, appeared to be the odds-on favorites to win the National League crown.

Not so fast.

Ace starter Pedro Martinez went on the Disabled List a week ago with a strained calf. Before that, Martinez spent time on the shelf with a bad hip. It is questionable whether or not Martinez can return in top form. This past weekend the Mets suffered another blow when Number Two starter Tom Glavine also went on the Disabled List with a possible season-ending blood clot.

The prospects of another Subway Series are fading fast.

Pundits are now touting the resurgent Dodgers as favorites to whip up on the beleaguered Mets’ pitching staff and take the honors in the Senior Circuit. All of this, of course, remains to be seen.

Stay tuned.