The New York Yankees (28–18) broke out of their recent slump by winning both games on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis.
After Tuesday night’s suspended game, play commenced in the sixth inning yesterday with the Yanks pulling out a 1–0 victory in the first of two games courtesy of a crushing homer by Derek Jeter in the opening inning.
Reliever Mariano Rivera sealed the win for New York after pitching a hitless ninth inning. For Rivera, it was his ninth save of the season.
Shortly after the first game, both teams met up again for their second matchup of the day and the Yanks took that one also in thrilling fashion following a monstrous home run by Nick Swisher in the top of the ninth inning, giving them a 3–2 victory.
Second Game
After falling behind 1–0 early on, the Yanks tied it up in the top of the fourth inning after Kevin Russo doubled to left field, driving in teammate Francisco Cervelli.
New York took the lead in the top of the sixth following a huge hit by Brett Gardner who tripled to shallow right and sent in Russo.
The Twins evened things in the bottom of the seventh after Delmon Young hit a double to deep center that sent in teammate Michael Cuddyer.
With the game tied at 2–2, things got scary for New York after Twins’ catcher Drew Butera ignited the crowd with a lead off double and teammate Denard Span singled.
But the Yankees’ defense came up huge with starting pitcher Andy Pettitte catching a line drive and Jeter initiating a double play to close out the inning.
At the top of the ninth, Nick Swisher crushed a home run to deep right field and gave the Bombers a 3–2 lead—the game would end by that score.
After going 2–5 last week and struggling mightily on offense, the Yanks bats reversed their fortunes on Wednesday.
Andy Pettitte (6–1) got the win for New York. The Yankees veteran pitcher holds an 11–5 career record against the Twins.
Speaking with MSG, he commented after the game, “It was nice to get into a big situation, throw some big pitches, and get out of it.”
