Six thousand, five hundred and eighty down, one to go.
Somebody just needs to turn out the lights on their way out tonight. In a perfect pinstriped universe, that would be Mariano Rivera finishing one last victory for the Yankees in The House That Ruth Built.
The question is, what about Derek Jeter? The Yankees captain was drilled in the left hand by a Jim Miller fastball in the ninth inning of his team’s 1-0 victory over the Orioles yesterday and departed the game in obvious pain.
Of course, nothing short of amputation figures to keep Jeter removed from the Stadium finale, but playing with a sore left hand (X-rays were negative) won’t enhance his overall experience.
“We’re trying to win a game,” Jeter said. “So I’m planning on being in there the whole game.”
Without mentioning the fact Baltimore pitchers have hit 13 batters in 17 games against the Yankees this season, Joe Girardi took a subtle jab at the Orioles.
“It’s extremely scary,” Girardi said of Jeter’s plunking. “It seems to happen against this club more than any other club, and that’s the frustrating part.”
Robinson Cano’s two- out RBI single in yesterday’s ninth inning gave the Yankees seven victories in eight games. Alfredo Aceves’ six shutout innings put the Yanks in position for the victory.
Officially, the Yankees’ season is still alive, comfort food for a team that saw its realistic playoff hopes disappear three weeks ago. With yesterday’s victory and Boston’s loss to Toronto, the Yanks’ Tragic Number for elimination from the playoff mix remained at 2.
But for today, baseball will take a backseat to an enormous Stadium sendoff party. The Yankees have played 6,580 regular-season games here since 1923, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, and another 161 in the postseason.
“I’m interested to see the emotions of our ballplayers [today], because I think it really hits you,” Girardi said. “I can’t believe how fast this week has gone.”
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Bob Sheppard isn’t expected at the Yankee Stadium microphone tonight, but the legendary public address announcer made a cameo of sorts yesterday.
In a segment pre-recorded and shown on the outfield screen, Sheppard pulled the ceremonial lever that brought the official countdown to 1 game remaining at the Stadium. The 97-year-old Sheppard, who began his public-address duties with the Yankees in 1951, has not worked this season as he has dealt with health issues. His replacement, Jim Hall, is expected at the microphone for tonight’s Stadium finale.
mpuma@nypost.com