Hot-hitting Tex Powers Yanks in Sweep of Twins

Monday night at Yankee Stadium didn’t end in walk-off fashion for the Bronx Bombers, but it did end in victory.

The surging Yankees swept the Minnesota Twins in four straight, holding on for a 7-6 win on a chilly night in the Bronx. After a string of three straight walk-off victories, the Yankees overcame a 2-0 first-inning deficit to win their season-high sixth straight.

I decided to watch my first game of the season from the stands tonight. I actually purchased tickets, even though I have a full season credential, just to catch a glimpse of the new Yankee Stadium from a fan perspective – all of which will be captured in a package for this Friday’s morning show. Don’t forget to catch OPEN on BronxNet Ch. 67, live from 10 to 11 a.m.

I certainly picked a hell of a night to watch a game from the stands. It was very chilly in the Bronx. More like October baseball than a game in late spring.

Despite the briskness, the Yankees didn’t disappoint. Did you expect anything less against the Twins? The Yankees improved to 23-3 at home against Minny during the regular season since the start of 2002. With the loss, the Twins fell to 4-12 on the road this season, last in the AL.

Homer happy Yankee Stadium was up to its old tricks again last night. Surging Mark Teixeira was the primary culprit. He homered twice in the win. Through 17 games, there have been 63 dingers hit in the new ballpark (32 by the Yankees and 31 by opponents).

Tex was hitting .198 on May 8, but has raised his average to .239, doubling his home run and RBI totals since A-Rod’s return. He homered from both sides of the plate, combining with Rodriguez for back-to-back home runs in a six-run first inning. Starting pitcher Andy Pettitte was solid and the Yankee bullpen held it together late to secure the win. Pettitte improved to 9-5 all-time against the Twins and 4-1 on the season. With Mariano Rivera overworked of late, manager Joe Girardi opted to go with left-hander Phil Coke in the ninth. He as a bit shaky, but earned his first career save.

Teixeira was all the talk afterward. He explained how much easier it is to hit with A-Rod in the lineup “Pitchers are just making a few more mistakes,” Teixeira told reporters. “It puts a lot of pressure on them when Alex is in the lineup and, you know, a pitcher is not going to want to get into deep counts and maybe walk me with a guy like A-Rod behind me.”

Happy to see Tex coming around. The Yankees welcome Baltimore next as they continue their 10-game homestand. Back to the press box tonight. It’s a lot warmer there.

On a final note, every reporter should watch one game a season from the stands. It helps keep everything in perspective. Sportswriters can be as cynical as they come. Sometimes catching a game from the other side helps us keep in touch with why we wanted to cover baseball in the first place.