Leave it to the New York Yankees to remind Twins fans around the world (OK, maybe) that although the team is off to one of its best starts in years, it’s still not quite good enough to beat the Bronx Bombers.
It wasn’t a blowout win for the Yanks, but they scored early and often for a 6-3 victory Friday night.
The Twins didn’t help themselves with two errors, including an extremely rare gaffe from fielder extraordinaire, Byron Buxton. Meanwhile, the offense was largely punchless, scoring three runs on four hits. Nelson Cruz supplied most of it with a two-run home run, his sixth.
Starter Kyle Gibson wasn’t terrible. He threw 100 pitches in five innings and gave up five runs, but only two were earned because of the errors.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s anything that’s a mental block for us right now. Over the past four years (the New York Yankees have) had some pretty good teams, obviously,” Gibson told the Associated Press. “It’s a home-field advantage. I don’t know what they’re doing here — but it doesn’t sound fair.”
Jake Odorizzi gets the ball Saturday.
Extra innings…
-How bad is it for the Twins when it comes to playing the Yankees? Pretty bad. Since 2002, including the playoffs, the Twins are 14-51 when playing at Yankee Stadium, according to AP.
-After the loss, the New York Post said “perhaps nothing solves the Yankees’ problems more than a visit from the Twins.”
-The Twins are now 19-11, but still have a two-game lead on the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
-Forget Friday’s game because the Twins beat the Houston Astros 8-2 on Thursday. The Twins scored eight runs on 10 hits, including seven extra-base hits: one home run, two triples and four doubles. Pitcher Jose Berrios is now 5-1 with a 2.91 ERA.