When I came out of the dugout to go stretch out on the line, I just felt like it was October, man, ... I could feel the excitement in the crowd. Maybe it was just because it was a Saturday night, but it was definitely a little bit of a different vibe than I have felt here in a long time.

I got some easy outs in some quick innings with some changeups to the lefties, ... Coming back and taking the lead, giving us momentum after the fifth inning, I just started feeling strong and stronger. I felt like my fastball was livelier. The wind stopped pushing so much at my back, which I think made my breaking ball a little bit better because early on I didn't think it was good.

I was trying to nibble a little bit because I didn't feel I needed to give in to these guys to get them to swing at something. That put me in a jam.

Facing the Yankees 19 times a year, that lineup is so power packed -- even the eight hole and nine hole sometimes. It's tough to pitch to. It's mentally wearing on you as the game goes on. For me to be over here in the National League, just to have the pitcher in the nine hole, gives me a little bit of breathing room. I don't think there's any lineup in the National League that can compare with that one. For me, it feels like it's easier to get over the hump.