Mark Teixeira's two-run homer broke a seventh-inning tie and led the New York Yankees to a 6-4 win over the host Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday night.
Nick Swisher's one-out single off Jesse Crain (0-1) started the rally. Teixeira then hit a 3-2 pitch down the line in right field that gave the Yankees the lead.
CC Sabathia (1-0) allowed four runs in six innings for the win. Mariano Rivera recorded the final four outs for his 40th career postseason save.
The Twins built a 3-0 lead on Michael Cuddyer's two-run homer in the second and a passed ball by Jorge Posada in the third that scored Orlando Hudson from third base.
Francisco Liriano blanked the Yankees through five innings, but didn't get through the sixth inning as New York scored four times. Robinson Cano and Posada had RBI singles before Curtis Granderson's two-run double gave the Yankees a 4-3 lead.
Liriano allowed four runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked three.
Sabathia couldn't hold the lead in the bottom of the inning. The Twins loaded the bases on a double and two walks. Sabathia then walked Danny Valencia to force in a run and tie the game, but he struck out J.J. Hardy to end the inning.
Sabathia gave up five hits, struck out five and walked three.