Yankees use stellar defense, win Game 3

NEW YORK -- Facing an 0-2 deficit for the second time this postseason, the New York Yankees once again turned to their defense to get them back into a series.

No, not from Derek Jeter, whose remarkable relay provided the key in the first round against Oakland. This time, the Yankees got diving plays by Alfonso Soriano and Shane Spencer that preserved a sixth-inning tie and helped the Yankees beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 in Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday night.

With their offense struggling even against Brian Anderson, the Yankees got back into the Series with strong pitching by Roger Clemens and dazzling defense.

With the score tied at 1 in the sixth inning, Clemens hit Reggie Sanders with a pitch with two outs. Sanders stole second before Erubiel Durazo hit a grounder into the hole between first and second base that looked like it might give Arizona the lead.

Soriano, who committed an error earlier in the game, ran to his left and dove to stop the ball before it could roll into right field. Soriano was unable to throw Durazo out at first, but he preserved the tie.

Matt Williams followed with a sinking liner to left field. Spencer, who got the nod in left over DH Chuck Knoblauch because of his defense, sprinted in and made a diving catch.