FOOL ON THE FIELD: A fan runs free for an extended period of time during the ninth inning before being tackled by Comerica Park security and a Detroit cop. (Reuters; AP (inset))
DETROIT — The Yankees were one out away from victory when a fan sprinted onto the field and was allowed to roam the diamond for an alarming period of time — and fist-bump Nick Swisher — before Comerica Park security and a Detroit cop finally tackled him and had him arrested.
“There wasn’t a real sense of urgency there,” Swisher said of the security’s approach.
That’s putting it mildly, since the fan came out of the stands near the third-base line and managed to run by Robinson Cano before getting to Swisher in right and nearly back to the infield before being tackled.
“I was hoping he wouldn’t come over, but once he did, I gave him the fist-bump,” Swisher said. “I figured, ‘What the hell? He’s going to jail.’ It’s the least I could do.”
After a Mets fan joined Johan Santana’s no-hit celebration near the mound at Citi Field Friday, some of the other Yankees weren’t as amused.
“That can’t happen,” Joe Girardi said. “People have got to get out there. You worry about your guy.”
Mark Teixeira was clearly exasperated with the security’s seemingly laissez-faire attitude.
“You can’t let him go out there for a few minutes and go up to players,” the first baseman said.
* Alex Rodriguez hit a solo shot that traveled an estimated 447 feet off Justin Verlander in the third.
“I’ve always said power is never gonna be a problem for me,” said Rodriguez, who has nine homers. “Any run you get off Verlander is big.”
The Yankees have now scored in the first inning in each of their last five games against the right-hander, including the playoffs.
* After Saturday night’s flap with home-plate umpire Bob Davidson, in which both Girardi and hitting coach Kevin Long were tossed, Girardi took out the lineup card before yesterday’s game.
“I just wanted to make sure nothing carried over,” said Girardi, who normally has bench coach Tony Pena bring out the card. “And there wasn’t. It was all good.”
* A source confirmed teams have until Thursday to submit an offer for Cuban free agent outfield Jorge Soler. The Yankees are interested in the 20-year-old. … Girardi isn’t sure how many rehab games Brett Gardner will need when he returns from a strained right elbow, which has kept him out since May. He could be back this weekend against the Mets or next Monday in Atlanta, depending on how his swing looks. … David Robertson threw a bullpen session yesterday.
dan.martin@nypost.com