Yankees sweep Twins again, move on to ALCS again

YANKEES 6
TWINS 1

The Yankees find ways to make October boring sometimes don't they.

The Yankees once against swept away the punchless Minnesota Twins in the first round of the American League playoffs, to advance to the ALCS for the second straight year.

Unlike last season's ALDS which had some drama, this series was over after game one. The competitive nature of the series went out the door on Mark Tiexiera's go-ahead homer in game one that led to a 6-4 victory.

Game three was fait accompli, as the Yankees blasted the Twins 6-1. There was no excessive on-field celebration. No champaign sprayed on the fans, it was business as usual for the Bronx Bombers as they now have to wait at least a day to find out whether they will play the Texas Rangers or Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS.

Everyone in the Yankee lineup got a hit in game three, with its biggest star being Marcus Thames. Thames' two run shot in the fourth put the Yankees up 4-0. Jorge Posada and Teixeria had the first two RBI on the day. Then in the seventh, Nick Swisher cracked a solo shot to make it 5-0.

Phil Hughes, making his first postseason start was brilliant. Seven innings of four hit ball, walking one and striking out six. Hughes is 19-8 on the season, as he displayed the command and poise that he has all season.

Suddenly the worts, i.e. A.J. Burnett, Ian Nova, and Javier Vasquez, the inexperience of Hughes and Andy Pettitte's injury are long distance memories for the Yankees. Their pitching staff looks solid, and they look destined again to go to the World Series.

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