"Up to this point in the season, Russell Martin's greatest contribution to the Yankees was behind the plate.

He had mastered his role in providing guidance to the pitching staff as a signal caller well enough that his wilting offensive production was overlooked by the team.

But today he brought the limelight on himself with his hitting and power. Martin homered twice, drove in six runs and provided the punch that helped the Yankees overcome a six-run deficit on the way to a 22-9 victory over the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium. His five hits and six RBI were both career highs.

He hit a grand slam in the sixth inning that gave the Yankees a 10-7 lead after trailing 7-1 at one point. He also started the comeback with a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Martin missed the trifecta when his shot in the eighth inning bounced off the 399-foot sign in left-center field."