Derek Jeter wasted absolutely no time Thursday night getting the 2,998th hit of his illustrious major-league career. Jeter lined the first pitch of the night from Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann into left-center field for a double. Jeter needs just two more hits to become the 28thy player in baseball history to reach the 3,000 — the only player to amass that total as a Yankee.

According to the YES Network broadcast, Jeter has had 254 three-hit games in his career. This season Jeter has two four-hit games and has gotten two hits in games 17 times. He has not had a three-hit game during the 2011 season.

The Yankees are home for a four-game series against Tampa Bay prior to the All-Star break. Jeter entered the game with a .258 batting average. He had two hits Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians and one more on Wednesday night.

The Rays lead the Yankees, 1-0, in the first inning.