The Yankees go into game 3 tonight of the Amerian League Division Series needing their supposed ace randy Johnson to come up big, or the teams season is likely over. The Big Unit has been spectacular since being tossed Sept 16 against Toronto in the second inning for arguing balls and strikes, and they will need him to continmue on this roll if the Yanks are to make it to the next round of the playoffs. Over his last three starts Johnson, who struggled for much of the season, has been dominant. Johnson's late seaseon surge was instrumental in the Yanks stretch run for the playoffs. He has gone 3-0 posting a 1.69 ERA in his last three starts. Over this run Joghnson has performed like the ace he was touted to be, and has filled the stopper role on this shaky Yankees pitching staff. In his best and certainly most important start of the season he pitched magnificently: going 7 1/3 innings on October 1st against the Red Sox at Fenway, leading the way for the Bombers as they clinched their eighth consecutive division title. This is the pitcher yankees fans hope to see on the mound toningh as they file into the stadium for game 3 against the Angels. This is a must win for the Yankees tonight. A strong performance could catapult them into a win in game 4 without having to return to the West coast: but a loss with their big dog on the mound could be disastrous to the Yanks hopes of making it to the world series.