Twins Lose Game 2 to Yankees

NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Teixeira hit a leadoff homer in the 11th inning to give the New York Yankees a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night and 2-0 lead in their AL playoff series.

Teixeira's drive Jose Mijares hit the top of the left-field wall and skipped over as the Yankee Stadium crowd roared. Teixeira tossed aside his batting helmet as he approached home and was mobbed by teammates.

Alex Rodriguez hit a tying, two-run homer in the ninth off Minnesota closer Joe Nathan.

The Twins loaded the bases with no outs in the 11th without scoring. They were hurt by a mistake by left-field umpire Phil Cuzzi, who ruled Joe Mauer's leadoff liner foul. The ball bounced into the stands and clearly should've been a leadoff ground-rule double.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.