The New York Yankees will take what happened Monday night against the Minnesota Twins every time Ivan Nova pitches this season. Nova (1-0) pitched six innings, turned over a one-run lead to Joba Chamberlain, Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera and watched the Yankee bullpen shut down the Twins for a 4-3 victory Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada provided the Yankee offense, each with two-run home runs. A-Rod hit his in the first inning and Posada hit his third home run in two days in the second inning. The two home runs off Minnesota starter Scott Baker (0-1) gave the Yankees 11 home runs through four games this season.
The key moment for Nova came in the fifth inning with the lead sliced to one run and the tying run at second base. He induced Minnesota star Joe Mauer to ground out, however, maintaining the lead.
The series continues tonight at Yankees Stadium with CC Sabathia pitching for the Yankees and Brian Duensing for the Twins.