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Twins-Yankees Preview

May 16, 2009 - 5:26 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Minnesota (18-17) at New York (17-17), 1:05 p.m. EDT

The New York Yankees' new stadium is hitter-friendly, but the Minnesota Twins didn't find it any more welcoming than the old one in their first visit there.

The Yankees look to win their season high-tying fourth straight contest Saturday when they continue a four-game series with the Twins.

New York (18-17) rallied from three runs down in the ninth inning, capped by Melky Cabrera's two-run single, for a 5-4 win on Friday to snap a five-game skid in its new ballpark. The Yankees have won five in a row and 21 of the last 26 meetings at home against Minnesota.

The Twins (18-18) hit three homers, two by 2006 AL MVP Justin Morneau. The Yankees have allowed 27 home runs in their first 14 home games.

New York, meanwhile, had two home runs. Derek Jeter hit one in conventional fashion, and Brett Gardner - a replacement after Johnny Damon was ejected for arguing balls and strikes - added an inside-the-park drive in the seventh.

Playing in his first home game of the season following hip surgery and admission of performance-enhancing drug use, Alex Rodriguez walked four times.

"It was just nice, from early on in batting practice, walking around the city," Rodriguez said. "Overall, people have been very gracious."

The loss snapped Minnesota's three-game winning streak. Morneau and Joe Mauer were a combined 3-for-9 with three RBIs, and they're hitting .377 (20 for 53) with nine home runs and 20 RBIs in the last seven games.

They'll look to take advantage of Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.89 ERA) early.

Chamberlain allowed three first-inning runs to Baltimore on Sunday, but lasted six innings to get the decision in the 5-3 victory. Of the 18 runs he's given up this season, 11 have come during the right-hander's first three innings.

"I've always been a slow starter. Always," Chamberlain told the Yankees' official Web site. "It's something I've been trying to figure out for a long time. We need to figure it out soon, because it's frustrating and it's starting to make me mad."

Chamberlain, making his first appearance against the Twins, is 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA in two home starts this year. He's walked seven and struck out 16 in 10 1-3 innings.

Minnesota will counter with Nick Blackburn (2-2, 4.32), who bounced back from his worst start of 2009 to pitch seven scoreless innings against Seattle on Sunday. He gave up five hits, walked one and struck out six, but didn't factor in the 5-3 loss.

The right-hander is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts against the Yankees.

Delmon Young left the Twins on Friday to be with his ill mother. He was placed on the family medical emergency list, which allows players to attend to personal issues for up to seven days. Young was hitting .277 with a home run and 14 RBIs in 25 games.