Game 101: Yanks v.s Twins

Yankees (55-45) @ Twins (55-45)
Game Time: 1:05 p.m. @ Yankee Stadium
TV: YES Radio: WCBS 880

STARTING LINEUPS:

YANKEES

Johnny Damon DH
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Richie Sexson 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C
Justin Christian LF

Mike Mussina RHP (12-6, 3.49 ERA)

TWINS

Glen Perkins LHP (7-2, 3.84 ERA)

NOTES:

The Yankees are trying for their third straight series sweep at home. They have won nine straight games at the Stadium. … Yankees have won five straight and 10 out of 13 overall. … The Yanks are 19 of 56 (.339) with RISP since the break. … Cano is 12 of his last 23 with seven RBI and is at .366 (24 of 67) this month. … A-Rod is 15 for 16 on SBs this season. … The bullpen has a 1.60 ERA since the second game of the June 27 Mets doubleheader. ...Mike Mussina is 21-6, 3.18 against the Twins in his career. He beat the Twins back on May 30, allowing two ER in six innings. Moose has beaten the Twins more than any other team he has faced except for the Blue Jays. ...Mussina beat Perkins in that May 30. The lefty allowed five runs on 10 hits in four innings with two walks and no strikeouts. Perkins is 3-0, 2.42 in his last four starts, however. He shut Texas out for six innings on Friday. Perkins will be pitching at Yankee Stadium for the first time.

***Jorge Posada Update from Peter Abraham:

Jorge Posada stepped up with the information. The MRI showed that his labrum is worse and that he has capsule damage. He will need surgery and a six-month rehab. However … he will try rehabbing for the next two weeks and consider trying to return as a DH and first baseman.

PLAYER STATS:

YANKS BA V.S PERKINS: (.588)

TWINS BA V.S MUSSINA: (.252)