Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft triumphed in a patriotic standoff against the New York Yankees by outlasting them in a national anthem salute that lasted over five minutes, adding an exciting pregame ritual to their matchup. Ashcraft's victory was part of the Reds' three-game sweep of the Yankees, showcasing their unity and determination on Independence Day. Despite umpire warnings, Ashcraft persevered, ultimately winning the salute battle and setting a tone for the game. The Reds' demonstration of patriotism and competitive spirit resonated with fans, emphasizing their self-proclaimed title as 'America's Team' from the previous year.