In the blink of an eye, the two-time 62s champion Yankees went from 12-0 to the No. 2 seed.

The Arachnids' 6-5 victory over the Yankees last night at Watervliet HS -- the identical score of their triumph less than a week ago over the unbeaten champs -- literally secured the league title for a Spiders team that simply out-grinded us.

I'll let winning skipper Jim Edelman handle the details, but I can tell you that their fate would have been reversed if not for some outstanding defensive gems that stood out. Centerfielder Stefan Koutakis made an incredible diving catch to rob a hit, first baseman Joe Parker scooped up two ''hits'' in the hole and fed ageless pitcher Wayne Nicholson covering first, and rightfielder John Reel was in the ''right place at the right time'' to snare a Ted Poleto missile.

It wasn't for lack of opportunities, as the Yankees mounted numerous threats, but the Houdini efforts of Nicholson and reliever TJ Scorsone -- highlighted by some pivotal strikeouts -- prevailed. Far too often, the Yankees bottom half of the inning ended with a runner on third and second dejectedly walking back to the dugout after the third out was recorded. Ironically, it was how the game ended.

A sincere congratulations to the Arachnids (13-1), who only need to win one of two remaining games against the Cards and Pirates to wrap up the league title. Meanwhile, the Yankees (12-2) have one remaining game next week against the Bucs to lick their wounds and start another win streak.