Teixeira’s big day and A-Rod’s ‘A-Bomb’ boosts Yanks past Twins in extras

How does two walk-off wins in a row sound to you? Last night it was Melky Cabrera, and today it was Alex Rodriguez. Although, it was Mark Teixeira’s perfect day at the plate that propelled the Yankees (19-17) to a 6-4 victory over the Twins (18-19) in 11 innings.

Quick ‘Cap:

Down 1-0 in the third, Teixeira crushed a three-run jack to right-center field to give the Yankees a lead they would hold until the eighth.

Both M&M boys Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau homered for the second straight game to keep the Twins in the game. Mauer’s came off Joba Chamberlain in the fourth, and Morneau’s was off Phil Coke. Coke had saved Jose Veras in the seventh by escaping a big jam. But after taking care of Mauer in the eighth, he grooved one to Morneau and he didn’t miss. A walk and a double later, the Twins were on top 4-3 and Coke was gone.

In the bottom of the eighth, Hideki Matsui led off with a pinch-hit ground-rule double – that was originally called a home run by John Sterling (he didn’t see it bounce). Luckily for the Yanks, Teixeira, who could not be retired by any Twins pitcher, drove in the tying run with two out for his fourth hit of the game.

Mariano Rivera pitched through an easy ninth and a scary 10th, but the Yankees couldn’t score for him. Alfredo Aceves pitched a 1-2-3 11th to give the Yankees’ meat of the order a crack at breaking the tie. Tex led off with a walk, and A-Rod smoked a no-doubter to left-center. It was the Yanks’ second walk-off in as many days, and their fourth straight win.

Thoughts:

Even though the win is a great sign for the Yankees, who have forgotten how to lose, the more important story is the emergence of Teixeira. Ever since his two-homer game against the Red Sox on May 4, he has been on a hitting tear. He’s batting .327 with five homers and 14 RBI. Last night it was the kids who won the game, and today it was the vets. The Yankees lineup is as potent as ever, and the starting pitching has put them in position to win ballgames.

Noteworthy Performances:

- Teixeira went 4-for-4 with four RBI and a walk. This is what the Yankees have been waiting for, and it paid off today.

- Rodriguez went 1-for-4, but his one hit was a walk-off homer. However, he’s still batting just .154. Hopefully today’s game can jumpstart his bat.

Up Next:

The Yankees look to take the series on Sunday at 1:05 p.m., and the game will be aired on TBS for those who don’t get the YES Network. Kevin Slowey (5-1, 4.91) will pitch against A.J. Burnett (2-1, 5.36).