The Yankees lost 5-4 on Friday against the Twins. They had a shot at the end, loading the bases with two outs and a run in but Eduardo nunez grounded out to end the game. Ian Kennedy had a strong outing, allowing one hit over two innings, walking one and striking out three. Eric Hacker followed pitching an inning, allowing one run on three hits, while walking two. Anthony Claggett pitched the fourth and fifth innings allowing one hit and walking one. Andrew Brackman, George Kontos, Wilkin De La Rosa and Steven Jackson allowed four runs in the final three innings. Brett Gardner, who is battling for the starting center-field job, went 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and a run scored. Nick Swisher singled in his first two at-bats. Justin Leone homered in the second after John Rodriguez was caught stealing, which proved costly. Jorge Posada also got two hits. Xavier Nady and Cody Ransom got an RBI while Ransom and Austin Jackson scored the other two runs. Eighteen players got in an at-bat and seven pitchers were used. Most of the regulars did not make the 2 1/2 hour trip to Fort Myers. Look forward to Joba Chamberlain pitching at GMS Field on Saturday at 1:15.
