The high-powered Yankee lineup was no match for...Ramon Ortiz??? I fully expected another beating from the Yankees, but Ortiz stepped up big-time for the longest Twins start of the season. He allowed just three hits and a walk through eight innings. The Twins offense came around just in time with four runs in the eighth inning to give Ortiz the win. The first two starts of the season for Ortiz have been about as encouraging as possible.

The eight innings from Ortiz were most important since the bullpen was starting to get a bit worn down. Juan Rincon is absent due to the passing of his mother and the bullpen has been used heavily with poor outings from Sidney Ponson and Boof Bonser in the past two games. They open a four game home series against the Devil Rays Thursday, so their next off day won't come until Monday.

As mentioned, the game was decided in the eighth inning when the Twins offense was able to rally off Yankee reliever Kyle Farnsworth. Luis Castillo led off with a four pitch walk and then stole second. After Nick Punto struck out Joe Mauer drove in his first run of the season with a single and then advanced to second on the throw home. Michael Cuddyer drove in Mauer with a single and was then driven in by a Justin Morneau double down the first base line. Torii Hunter doubled off the baggy to score the Twins' fifth run.

Game Notes

• Luis Rodriguez saw his first action of the season with a start as the DH. He had a pair of singles and was doubled up early in the game on a nice play by Derek Jeter who ranged into the outfield to catch a shallow fly-ball.
• Alexi Casilla got the start at SS with Jason Bartlett struggling at the plate and in the field. It's surely just a day off, and Bartlett will be back at short tomorrow.
• Mike Mussina left the game in the third inning with some type of injury (it wasn't obvious what was hurt). This is one reason not to get too excited about this victory. Sure, we got good pitching from Ortiz, but the runs scored might have more to do with Kyle Farnsworth than the hitters.

Roster move

The Twins' need for another pitcher led them to recall lefty Glen Perkins from Rochester after the game. Chris Heintz who had been the emergency #3 catcher was sent down to make room for Perkins. This is a good move, and one that should've been made at the start of the season. Heintz is not a hitter and was really just wasting a roster spot. Perkins will be a reliever, which may not be the best thing if it becomes a long-term gig. Perkins' stay may be short-lived unless an injury occurs or Ponson continues to struggle.

Santana has competition?

It may be true. Seattle's 21 year old Felix Hernandez has been absolutely brilliant in his first two starts this season. He pitched a 1-hit shutout against Boston on Wednesday night. Through his two starts he has allowed just 4 hits and 0 runs through 17.0 IP. Santana might have some real Cy Young competition this year and for many years to come. Oh, by the way, Ramon Ortiz will face off against Felix next week in Seattle.