But the team's days and nights have not been passing without some measure of trouble: A three-run lead is never enough insurance.

Even an average pitcher will preserve a three-run lead about 95 percent of the time.

The Yankees expanded on their three-run lead in the next inning.

Even an average pitcher protects a three-run lead about 97 percent of the time.

Benitez was not great last night; in fact, he nearly blew a three-run lead.

But we give him a three-run lead and he walks three guys in the first inning.

Danny Tartabull's hard single through the middle then created a three-run lead.

Cincinnati lost a three-run lead and wound up tied with Milwaukee.

And it was in those first few innings that the Mariners took a three-run lead.

He also blew eight saves that season, including two three-run leads.