Hideki Matsui Topic Page

The Twins were beat handily in the opening series of the ALDS by a few of the biggest names on the team. C.C. Sabathia pitched almost 7 strong innings. The Twins got to him for 8 hits, but Sabathia got the big outs when he needed them and didn't walk any Twins.

The Twins scored first with 2 runs in the 3rd inning, but the Yankees struck back immediately in the bottom of that inning with a 2-run home run from Derek Jeter. Jeter reached base in all 4 of his plate appearances, getting 2 hits and drawing 2 walks. Alex Rodriguez and Hideki Matsui also had 2 RBI a piece.

Heading into Friday's series opener at the new Yankee Stadium, the Twins found themselves with a share of the AL Central Division lead as well as a record above .500 for the first time since the infant days of the season.

A few days later the Twins find themselves 3 games behind the division leading Detroit Tigers, after suffering from 3 straight walk-off losses to the Yankees, who have no won 5 straight.

The Twins are coming off a split with the Chicago White Sox after a fabulous April start from Johan Santana and a 3-run homer from Justin Morneau on Sunday. The Twins sit atop the AL Central standing with a 4-1 record (2 wins ahead of Cleveland who hasn't been able to play due to weather). The Yankees are off to a bit of a rough start, similar to last year. They'll begin their first road trip tonight at the dome after a 2-3 homestand against weaker teams like the Devil Rays and Orioles.

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.