Minnesota Twins (18-18) at New York Yankees (18-17), 1:05 p.m.
Probable Starting Pitchers: Minnesota - Nick Blackburn (2-2, 4.32) New York - Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.89)
After a wild finish last night, the Minnesota Twins will try to regroup when they clash with the New York Yankees this afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Yesterday, Melky Cabrera had the game-winning two-run single as New York scored three times in the ninth to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over Minnesota in the opener of a four-game set.
Brett Gardner, who came in after Johnny Damon was thrown out in the third for arguing a called third strike, went 3-for-3 with an inside-the-park homer and missed the cycle by a double for the Yankees, who have won three straight games. Damon went 0-for-2 prior to the early exit to see his 10-game extra- base hitting streak come to an end.
"As long as I can get on base and score I don't care how it happens," said Gardner. "All that matters is crossing the plate."
Derek Jeter added a solo homer and Mark Teixeira also drove in a run in the win. Alex Rodriguez, who made his debut at the new Yankee Stadium, was 0-for-1 with four walks. Jose Veras (2-1) got the win after recording the final out in the ninth.
Justin Morneau had a pair of solo homers for the Twins, who saw their three- game winning streak halted. Joe Mauer also had a solo homer in the setback. Nick Punto drove in the other run.
Twins third baseman Joe Crede left the game with tightness in his back and is listed as day-to-day.
Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision, as Phil Hughes lasted five innings and yielded three runs on six hits. Francisco Liriano went six frames and gave up a run on four hits with six strikeouts and as many walks for Minnesota.
Manning the rubber this afternoon for the Twins will be Nick Blackburn. Blackburn is coming off his best showing of the season, shutting down Seattle for seven innings, scattering five hits, while striking out six batters. However, despite the outstanding performance the right-hander did not factor in the decision.
Blackburn has not faired well against the Yankees in three career starts, allowing eight runs in just 10 2/3 innings of work. The righthander has surrendered a whooping 18 hits, and has also walked six batters.
As for the Yanks, they will turn to the hard-throwing, and sometimes erratic Joba Chamberlain. The right handed hurler pushed his ledger on the year to 2-1 with a solid effort in a 5-3 win over Baltimore the last time he toed the rubber.
Chamberlain allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings of work, but was able to strike out five batters, while only walking two. This will be the first-ever appearance for the young hurler against Minnesota.
Chamberlain has struggled at the new park thus far, surrendering nine runs in just 10 1/3 innings of duty. However, during that time has struck out 16 opponents.
New York won six of 10 from the Twins last season, winning all three games played at home.
Probable Starting Pitchers: Minnesota - Nick Blackburn (2-2, 4.32) New York - Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.89)
After a wild finish last night, the Minnesota Twins will try to regroup when they clash with the New York Yankees this afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Yesterday, Melky Cabrera had the game-winning two-run single as New York scored three times in the ninth to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over Minnesota in the opener of a four-game set.
Brett Gardner, who came in after Johnny Damon was thrown out in the third for arguing a called third strike, went 3-for-3 with an inside-the-park homer and missed the cycle by a double for the Yankees, who have won three straight games. Damon went 0-for-2 prior to the early exit to see his 10-game extra- base hitting streak come to an end.
"As long as I can get on base and score I don't care how it happens," said Gardner. "All that matters is crossing the plate."
Derek Jeter added a solo homer and Mark Teixeira also drove in a run in the win. Alex Rodriguez, who made his debut at the new Yankee Stadium, was 0-for-1 with four walks. Jose Veras (2-1) got the win after recording the final out in the ninth.
Justin Morneau had a pair of solo homers for the Twins, who saw their three- game winning streak halted. Joe Mauer also had a solo homer in the setback. Nick Punto drove in the other run.
Twins third baseman Joe Crede left the game with tightness in his back and is listed as day-to-day.
Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision, as Phil Hughes lasted five innings and yielded three runs on six hits. Francisco Liriano went six frames and gave up a run on four hits with six strikeouts and as many walks for Minnesota.
Manning the rubber this afternoon for the Twins will be Nick Blackburn. Blackburn is coming off his best showing of the season, shutting down Seattle for seven innings, scattering five hits, while striking out six batters. However, despite the outstanding performance the right-hander did not factor in the decision.
Blackburn has not faired well against the Yankees in three career starts, allowing eight runs in just 10 2/3 innings of work. The righthander has surrendered a whooping 18 hits, and has also walked six batters.
As for the Yanks, they will turn to the hard-throwing, and sometimes erratic Joba Chamberlain. The right handed hurler pushed his ledger on the year to 2-1 with a solid effort in a 5-3 win over Baltimore the last time he toed the rubber.
Chamberlain allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings of work, but was able to strike out five batters, while only walking two. This will be the first-ever appearance for the young hurler against Minnesota.
Chamberlain has struggled at the new park thus far, surrendering nine runs in just 10 1/3 innings of duty. However, during that time has struck out 16 opponents.
New York won six of 10 from the Twins last season, winning all three games played at home.
