[Goody]

I think its just to make sure Johnny Damon knows how many outs there are.

NEW YORK -- Yankees left fielder Johnny Damon felt relieved about fighting off the harsh sun on Sunday afternoon to catch Jeff Fiorentino's fly out to left, for the third out of the fourth inning. But as he was about to turn around to oblige fans that wanted him to toss them the ball, Damon made out Derek Jeter's voice carrying all the way in from shortstop.

"Throw the ball in," Jeter yelled.

That's when Damon realized that he hadn't caught the third out of the inning. It was only the second. By the time Damon's blunder registered in his mind, it was much too late to keep Justin Turner from scoring all the way from second base.

Ultimately, the goof didn't factor into the equation as the Yankees pulled away from the Orioles for a 13-3 victory. Nevertheless, Damon said after the game that he was "unthrilled" about the incident.

"It's one of those embarrassing things you hope never happens again," Damon said. "It's happened a few too many times to me."