N.Y. Yankees: A Twin Killing

From the desk of: BLAME CARLOS MAY

YANKEES AT THE GATES

Yankees defeat Twins; 3-0

I - NYY 10; MIN 4

II - NYY 8; MIN 2

III - NYY 5; MIN 1

With a three game sweep of the A.L. Central champion Minnesota Twins, the New York Yankees are heading to their 17th ever American League Championship Series.

What's old is new again ...

Minnesota never stood a chance.  After jumping ahead 2-0 in the top half of the third inning of game one at Yankee Stadium, the Twins never again mount a lead at any point in the series.  In fact they are outscored more than threefold by 23-7 margin.  The Twins generate 22 hits and four solo home runs; the Yankees generate 29 hits, four solo home runs, and one grand slam off the bat of Didi Gregorious.

The Bombers of game three more resemble the Bronx teams of seasons past: one walk, nine strikeouts, four extra-base hits, and at least two home runs.  I say that partly in jest because through games one and two the Yankees bat .297 with seven extra-base hits, 16 walks, and 18 strikeouts.  Of their 19 hits, only three go for home runs which suggests they were exercising discipline at the plate and stringing together hits.  Through three games the Yankees bat (11 for 34) .323 with runners in scoring position.

Now they must wait patiently for a winner to emerge between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.  While those clubs continue taxing their pitching, Aaron Boone gets to rest and refresh the bullpen and align the starting rotation to his liking for the upcoming championship series.