Criticism Is Knoblauch-ed Away by Homer

Chuck Knoblauch has been the target of recent Big Apple criticism, angering New Yorkers with his wild throws.

The Yankees’ all-star second baseman has been extremely error-prone, making life difficult for him in the city that never sleeps.

Or forgets.

Knoblauch is doing what he can to change public opinion, and his performance Tuesday night should help.

He blasted a two-run, eighth-inning, game-tying home run against Atlanta Brave starter Tom Glavine during the Yankees’ 6-5, 10-inning victory at Yankee Stadium. The ball glanced off the glove of right fielder Brian Jordan, who almost made a spectacular catch.

Knoblauch’s timely homer shifted the momentum in the game--and may have crushed the Braves’ hopes.

It was all in a night’s work for the maligned Knoblauch, who remains focused on the bigger picture.

“Chuck’s homer was huge, just huge,” third baseman Scott Brosius said. “Even when were down early, we knew that we could stay in there if we just kept chipping away.

“Then Chuck came through with his homer, and Chad [Curtis] hit his [second of the game] to win it. Chuck really put us in position.”

THE SITUATION

Behind Glavine’s strong effort, the Braves took a 5-1 lead after four innings and were seemingly in command.

Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox permitted Glavine to start the eighth because the left-hander had a 5-3 lead and had thrown only 73 pitches to that point.

Joe Girardi singled to right on Glavine’s first pitch of the inning with Knoblauch on deck. Glavine was scratched from Game 1 because of flu-like symptoms, and the Yankees figured he was worn down.

“He was obviously pitching great all night, but we felt that we could get something going if we just kept battling against him,” Brosius said. “I don’t know if I was surprised that they didn’t take him out, we just felt we had a chance to make something happen there.”

Knoblauch did.

WHAT HAPPENED

Glavine fell behind in the count, 2 and 0.

Knoblauch drove Glavine’s last pitch of the game to right, sending Jordan to the wall. Jordan made a sensational catch against the wall in the third, robbing Girardi of an extra-base hit.

He wasn’t as fortunate this time.

Jordan timed his leap well, getting his glove on the ball. But it was hit too hard for him to hold it, igniting the sellout crowd of 56,794.

“He made a heck of a play on that ball,” Yankee right fielder Paul O’Neill said. “From a distance, people think that wall isn’t that high, but it’s a lot higher than they think it is.

“He’s not familiar with playing here, and he made a great effort on that ball. Believe me, it’s not easy.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Yankees had overcome a 5-1 deficit while tormenting the Braves.

Again.

“We got beat with a popup to right field--a Yankee home run,” Cox said, referring to the stadium’s “short porch.” “The ball went 315 feet and that’s a home run, and that’s the way it is here.”

Said Knoblauch: “I’m glad I hit it in Yankee Stadium.”

THE LAST WORD

Knoblauch gave New Yorkers something else to talk about.

“I think enough has been said about it [his problems defensively],” said Knoblauch, who also doubled in the third. “I think it needs to be put to bed. Tonight was a good night, and hopefully there’ll be some better nights.”