The Twins played their most exciting game of the season Saturday night against the Yankees, pulling off a victory in the bottom of the 9th inning with a 2-run hit by Justin Morneau.

The Twins jumped out to an early lead with 3 runs in the 2nd inning, and then extended their lead by 1 in the fourth. The Yankees, however, came back with 2 runs in the fifth and 3 runs in the seventh to take the lead. The game appeared to be over when Mariano Rivera was brought in with 1 out in the 8th inning.

Luis Castillo led off the ninth inning with a chopper in front of the plate that was played well by Rivera, but not well enought to throw out the speedy Castillo. Joe Mauer followed up with a single and moved to second on heads-up baserunning when Hideki Matsui tried to catch Castillo running to third. Rondell White, continuing to struggle, struck out an a pitch up and in from Rivera. Hunter struck out looking for the second out of the inning. Morneau came up and on the first pitch from Rivera singled through the hole on the right side to drive in Castillo and Mauer for the Twins victory.

Game Notes

• The Twins have a winning record for the first time this season and sit 1 game behind Cleveland in the standings
• This was the Twins 6th come-from-behind victory of the season
• Johan Santana has now gone 3 starts without a victory. He didn't look dominate at any point during this game, but he was solid early on.
• It was an odd decision to bring in Jesse Crain to relieve Santana in the 7th. Crain wasn't able to retire a batter and allowed 2 of his inherited runners to score as well as one of his own.
• Liriano, who should've been brought in to relieve Santana was effective. He pitched another 1 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball before Rincon came in to finish out the game.

Looking ahead

• The Twins haven't swept the Yankees since 1991, when the Yankees weren't that good.
• I'm not sure what Gardy will do, but White really needs to be sat for a game. Take the opportunity to get guys like Kubel/Ford/Cuddyer some extra at bats.