Yankees show Twins they’re the real Bombers in ALDS Game 2

The Yankees jumped all over the Twins in Game 2 of the ALDS, scoring all eight of their runs by the third inning, allowing starter Masahiro Tanaka to cruise to an easy win.

After allowing 10 runs in Game 1 of the ALDS, and using all but four of their relievers, the last thing the Twins needed to do was let the Yankees get an early lead on them in Game 2.

However, that’s precisely what happened, as starting pitcher Randy Dobnak was pulled after just two innings of six-hit, four-run ball. It would take seven more Minnesota pitchers to finish the contest — an 8-2 defeat.

The Yankees 12th straight playoff win over the Twins is the longest against any one opponent in baseball history. The previous record was held by the Red Sox, who beat the Angels 11 consecutive times from 1986-2008.

Credit goes to the Bombers though, after falling one home run shy of the Twins brand new record of 307 in a single season — led by Nelson Cruz’s 41 dingers, Aaron Boone’s bunch switched up the gameplan.

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A club that typically swings at the first pitch, New York has shown excellent plate discipline in the series’ first two contests, making Minnesota’s pitchers alter their tactics — often putting themselves in vulnerable hitters counts that the Yankees haven’t been afraid to take advantage of.

Per usual, D.J. LeMahieu began the evening with a leadoff double before scoring on an Edwin Encarnacion double (his third of the series). The face of the franchise, Aaron Judge, had two hits — reaching base four times (two walks) and Didi Gregorius proved why his left-handed bat is still so vital to the Yankees lineup.

Despite being mired in a 1-for-15 slump, Sir Didi chose an opportune time with his club up 3-0 to hit the first postseason grand slam by a Yankee shortstop ever. The last postseason granny for the Yanks came courtesy of Robinson Cano during the 2011 ALDS.

The Yanks would collect 11 hits on the evening to put themselves up 2-0 in the series. With Sunday off, as the ALDS shifts to Minnesota, it’s entirely possible the Twins won’t return to New York this season.

According to Baseball Gauge, home clubs that have won the first two games of the 2-2-1 format have gone on to win 90 percent of series (28-of-31). Even further, 58 percent of those have been via a sweep.

The Yankees jumped all over the Twins in Game 2 of the ALDS, scoring all eight of their runs by the third inning, allowing starter Masahiro Tanaka to cruise to an easy win.

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