Jeter breaks Gehrig’s mark

It gave Jeter 2,722 hits, one more than Gehrig, whose Hall of Fame career was cut short by illness in 1939. The captain kept right on going, too, with an RBI single in the fourth that put New York up, 4-1. Jeter left the game after a rain delay in the top of the seventh inning and finished 2 for 4. The Yankees lost to the Orioles, 10-4.

Leadoff batter Brian Roberts had three RBIs, including a two-run single off Damaso Marte (1-2) that put the Orioles ahead during a four-run sixth.

Jeter’s record-breaking hit was remarkably similar to the one that tied Gehrig Wednesday night, a well-struck grounder inside the first base line. After this one, Yankees players poured out of the dugout and engulfed Jeter at first base with hugs and pats on the back.

“For those who say today’s game can’t produce legendary players, I have two words: Derek Jeter. Game in and game out he just produces,’’ Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. “As historic and significant as becoming the Yankees’ all-time hit leader is, the accomplishment is all the more impressive because Derek is one of the finest young men playing the game today.

“That combination of character and athletic ability is something he shares with the previous record holder, Lou Gehrig,’’ the statement said.

Jeter spread his arms wide after rounding first base on his record-breaking hit and gave an emphatic clap as he headed back to the bag.

Rain-drenched fans, many wearing bright ponchos, roared during an ovation that lasted about three minutes. Jeter twice waved his helmet to the crowd of 46,771 - just as he did after tying the record. Fans chanted his name and the ball was taken out of play as a souvenir.

When his grounder got past diving first baseman Luke Scott, Jeter’s parents raised their arms in excitement. Joining them in an upstairs box filled with family and friends were his sister and his steady girlfriend, actress Minka Kelly.

Jeter was still smiling moments later when Orioles rookie pitcher Chris Tillman tried to pick him off first. Jeter easily beat the throw and flashed a playful grin - ever alert, he wasn’t about to let himself get wrapped up in the moment and caught off-guard.

Jeter tied Gehrig’s mark Wednesday night, snapping an 0-for-12 slump with three hits against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees were off Thursday, and Jeter resumed his pursuit last night at soggy Yankee Stadium.

The start was delayed 87 minutes by heavy rain that had tapered off by the third inning. Jeter struck out swinging against Tillman in his first at-bat, but came through his next time up.