Robinson Cano and the Yankees beat the Twins again, 3-2 Wednesday night at Target Field and can sweep the four-game series Thursday afternoon.
Minnesota led 2-0 before Cano delivered a two-run double in the sixth inning to tie the game. Cano has destroyed the Twins this series, going a combined 7-11 with three home runs, two doubles, eight RBI and six runs scored.
Cano’s big hit came against Twins’ starter P.J. Walters, who was essentially battling to keep his job in the starting the rotation. With Mike Pelfrey returning from the disabled list on Saturday, the Twins will likely send down one of the current starters — and Walters could very well be the guy demoted.
But Walters’ night started out great. He had a one-hitter going through five innings before starting the sixth by allowing a single, two doubles and walk before manager Ron Gardenhire pulled him from the game.
The Twins took an early lead against Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia. Brian Dozier led off the third with a walk and scored when Joe Mauer drove him in with his 25th double of the season.
A solo home run from Trevor Plouffe to straight-away center field put Minnesota up 2-0 in the fifth.
The Yankees took the lead after Walters was pulled. Caleb Thielbar entered the game with runners at first and third with nobody out. He struck out Zoilo Almonte before giving up a sacrifice fly to Lyle Overbay — with Cano scoring the go-ahead run (charged to Walters).
Minnesota’s bullpen was terrific through the final four innings, but so was Sabathia and the Yankees’ bullpen.
Sabathia left after pitching seven really good innings. He allowed two runs and struck out nine.
Mariano Rivera, pitching for a third straight night, pitched the ninth for his 28th save of the season, and 636th of his illustrious career.
The Yankees can sweep the four-game series Thursday with a matinee game at Target Field. Kyle Gibson makes his second career start for the Twins. First pitch at 1:10 p.m.
