Joe Mauer became the first catcher to win the American League batting title, going 2 for 4 for the Minnesota Twins on the final day of the regular season to hold off the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter.

Mauer doubled and singled against the Chicago White Sox, leaving his average at .347 down from a high of .392 on July 1 but good enough to best Jeter, who went 1 for 5 against Toronto and wound up at .343.

"You couldn't really not think about it," Mauer said. "There were so many questions. Scores on the board, people saying you need to do this, do that. I've never been so nervous in my life."

Mauer became the first catcher to win a batting title in either league since Ernie Lombardi hit .330 for the 1942 Boston Braves.

Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez won the NL batting title for the first time, going 2 for 4 against Cincinnati to wind up at .344, five points ahead of Florida's Miguel Cabrera. It was the NL-high 25th batting championship for the Pirates, the first since Bill Madlock's in 1983.

"It hasn't sunk in yet, but it's something special," Sanchez said. "There's a lot of relief, excitement and joy."

YANKEES

JOHNSON RECOVERING, MAY START GAME 3

Randy Johnson was optimistic after a bullpen session that he will start Game 3 of the playoffs Friday night against Detroit.

The left-hander threw 41 pitches yesterday under the watchful eye of manager Joe Torre, pitching coach Ron Guidry and bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan.

"It was surprisingly good," said Johnson (17-10). "Everybody was more pleased than I was, so I guess that's a good thing. My only concern is a stiff back."

Torre was happy with Johnson's session and was confident the Big Unit will pitch against Detroit.

"We certainly were satisfied," Torre said. "It didn't look like he was restricted. We'll see how he feels tomorrow."