Originally published Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Game of the Day | Baltimore inflicts latest blows to last-place Yankees

Just when the slumping New York Yankees got Alex Rodriguez back, Derek Jeter went down with an injury that nearly led to a brawl with Baltimore...

By MIKE FITZPATRICK

The Associated Press

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PAUL J. BERESWILL / MCCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon fails to catch a pop fly hit by Baltimore's Luke Scott in the second inning. Damon was charged with an error, and the Orioles went on to win 12-2 at Yankee Stadium.

NEW YORK — Just when the slumping New York Yankees got Alex Rodriguez back, Derek Jeter went down with an injury that nearly led to a brawl with Baltimore.

Adam Jones hit a three-run double during Baltimore's seven-run first inning against Mike Mussina, and the Orioles thumped New York 12-2 Tuesday night in a testy game that included a late home run by A-Rod in his return from the disabled list.

The Orioles took advantage of a two-out throwing error by Jeter in the first as they handed the last-place Yankees (20-25) their season-high fourth straight loss and sixth in seven games. New York has been outscored 30-8 during the first three games of this homestand.

"I'm hoping this is rock-bottom," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's an ugly loss and you've just got to put this one aside."

Kevin Millar and Luke Scott added tack-on homers for the surprising Orioles. Jones, traded to Baltimore in a deal that sent pitcher Erik Bedard to Seattle in the offseason, had a career-high four hits and four RBI.

With Baltimore up 9-0 in the third, starter Daniel Cabrera (5-1) hit Jeter on the left hand with a 2-1 pitch and the star shortstop spun away in pain. Jeter left the game. X-rays were negative and he is day-to-day with a bruised hand.

"It'll be fine. Obviously, it doesn't feel good. But I should be all right by tomorrow," Jeter said, his hand wrapped heavily.

In the sixth, New York reliever LaTroy Hawkins threw one pitch inside to Scott and then the next one over his head. Hawkins was immediately ejected.

Scott was sure Hawkins threw at him intentionally.

"You never throw at anyone's head," Scott said. "You could end somebody's career, or life."

Both benches and bullpens emptied as players spilled onto the field.

Mussina (6-4) got only two outs against his former team — matching the shortest start of his 18-year career.

"I never got my level of comfort, and it was just bad," he said.

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