Minnesota Twins defeat New York Yankees 9-4 – MLB Update
The Minnesota Twins made good work of the New York Yankees as they crushed them 9-4 facilitated by a five-run second inning at the Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, August 20.
Francisco Liriano was exceptional at the mound as he restricted the star-studded Yankees’ line-up to just one run and three hits in what were seven innings of top-quality pitching. Liriano, who has not impressed greatly this season, struck-out six batters
without any error to bring his weary earned-run average down to 4.85. His performance earned him his ninth win of the season with as many losses to his credit thus far in the season.
A.J. Burnett confirmed that the Yankees do not have any effective starting pitcher other than CC Sabathia and this weakness is being exposed at a time when the playoffs are nearing. Burnett was ruthlessly treated by the Twins and could last for only 1.2
innings before Luis Ayala came in as reliever. Burnett gave away seven runs in his spell which stole any chances that the Yankees had of cementing their place on top of the American League East division.
Joe Mauer, Trevor Plouffe and Danny Valencia added two-runs each for the Twins while Ben Revere, Jason Kubel and Luke Hughes contributed one-run each for the home side.
The Yankees opened their scoring account in the third inning after a fielding error allowed Eduardo Nunez to complete his run. By then, the Twins had already amassed seven runs and it was only a matter of time before Minnesota tasted victory against the
top-rated team.
Twins added two more in the fifth inning for the scorecard to show 9-1. This was humiliating for the Yankees who had the armoury to eradicate this lead but none of them fired. Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano have been in sublime hitting
form but none of them came close to their best in an evening which was dominated by the Twins. Andruw Jones gave some hope to the Yankees when he homered in the ninth inning but it was too late an effort.
The Yankees lead the four-game series 2-1 with the fourth game scheduled for Sunday, August 21.
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