NEW YORK - Orlando Hernandez was one of the few people in New York unaware of the final score of the historic rout the Cleveland Indians handed the Yankees.

"I tried not to look at the scoreboard last night because I didn't want to get scared," he said of Tuesday's humbling 22-0 loss. "I'm being sincere with you, the last score I saw was 15-0. I didn't watch the news. I didn't watch anything. I just tried to concentrate on my start today."

At 38, El Duque has become the ace of the Yankees, the only starting pitcher they can count on. One day after Cleveland sent New York to its most-lopsided loss, Hernandez restored some order, limiting the Indians to one run and three hits in seven innings in a 5-3 victory Wednesday night.

"Duque is back to where we remember him, where he was really our No. 1 starter back there in '99. He loves the opportunity to stand tall," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "After last night, we certainly needed a pick-me-up, and he gave it to us."

After Travis Hafner hit an RBI single in the first inning, the Yankees left the bases loaded in the bottom half and Boston spurted to a four-run lead against Anaheim at Fenway Park. New York's AL East lead over the Red Sox looked to be in danger of shrinking to 2.5 games, down from 10.5 on the morning of Aug. 16.

But the Yankees rallied when Jorge Posada hit a two-run homer off C.C. Sabathia (10-9) in the fourth. John Olerud added a solo homer later in the inning, Miguel Cairo hit another in the seventh off David Riske for a 4-1 lead, and Derek Jeter had an RBI single off the glove of third baseman Casey Blake in the eighth.

With Boston's 12-7 victory over Anaheim, the Yankees' lead remained at 3.5 games. New York players said they needed the win to get the earlier drubbing out of their system.

"It's one of those games that you wish could count for five or six games against them," Boston's Johnny Damon said. "We know they're going to come back and play tough now."

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was on hand for the second straight night and tried to avoid questions.

"I don't mean to be rude. Just savor the victory," he said.

Fans were greeted by inspirational messages on Yankee Stadium sign boards and scoreboards.

"Sure, we got punished badly last night, but winners never quit and quitters never win," Steinbrenner said in a statement. "New Yorkers never quit, and we reflect the spirit of New York."

Steinbrenner watched batting practice from his box high behind home plate. The players certainly were aware of his presence.

"It was having the principal overlooking the classroom," Alex Rodriguez said.

Hernandez (6-0) was the model student. After missing last season because of a shoulder injury, he has helped the Yankees to nine wins in his last 10 starts. El Duque became just the second New York starter to win in 17 games since Aug. 13.

"He loves pitching in this situation," Posada said. "He keeps coming and coming."

Pitching against the team he blanked for seven innings in the key fourth game of the 1998 AL championship series, he struck out seven and didn't allow a runner past second base after the first inning.

"It seems like the bigger the situation, the bigger the forum, the more comfortable he feels," Rodriguez said. "You can see him, and he's so animated. It's fun to watch."

After Hafner's single in the first left runners at the corners, Hernandez got Blake to pop up, starting a stretch in which he retired 11 of 12 batters.

Hernandez had a humorous time in the third when he picked up Coco Crisp's grounder and stood by the first-base line with the ball as Crisp tried to retreat. Hernandez held his hands out, as if to say "What are you going to do next?" before tagging out Crisp and folding his arms.

"There's only one way to first base," Hernandez said in English.

"He tried to deke me twice. I wasn't going to move," he said, returning to Spanish. "He was a gentleman. He gave up."