Breaking Down Game One

The Yankees defeated the Twins 7-2 last night, overcoming a 2-0 deficit in the 3rd inning. C.C. Sabathia went six and two-third innings to get the win.

There were a few story lines in the defeat. Derek Jeter proved once again to be Mr. Clutch drilling a two run homer into the left field seats in the third inning to tie the score. Nick Swisher hit an RBI double down the right field line to put the Yankees ahead in the fifth. Alex Rodriguez had two RBI hits breaking out of his major slump batting with runners in scoring position in the playoffs.

This was good for Alex to get some weight off his back. Even if his playoff numbers were not running through his mind, he still will not have to listen to the questions about his playoff struggles at least for now.

Hideki Matsui hit a 2 run blast to center field last night. All Matsui has done this year is prove his case for the Yankees to keep him next year, but who knows what will happen with that.

C.C. Sabathia broke out of his playoff struggles as well putting in a great performance, especially if you take away Posada's two past balls. He really has proved himself to be the ace of this pitching staff all season, and he continued that into last night's huge game.

With a 1-0 lead in the series, the Yanks take the field again Friday night with A.J. Burnett on the mound. Hopefully A.J. brings his lights out stuff to the mound. He has the ability to throw a perfect game on any night with his dirty breaking ball. We'll see which A.J. shows up as the Bombers look to go up 2-0 heading into the Metrodome.