New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins Match Player Stats On Sep 11, 2018

Joe Mauer capped a six-run fifth inning with a grand slam, and the host Minnesota Twins roughed up the New York Yankees en route to a 10-5 victory Tuesday night in Minneapolis.

Mauer gave the Twins a 10-1 lead when he drove a full-count fastball from right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle into the grassy area beyond the center field fence for his sixth homer of the season. It was the first baseman's fifth career grand slam and first since he hit one last Sept. 17 off Toronto Blue Jays reliever Chris Rowley.

Mauer's grand slam earned him a curtain call from the fans and helped the Twins beat the Yankees for the first time in the teams' past nine meetings, including last season's American League wild-card game.

Jorge Polanco collected three hits, including an RBI double in the fourth off reliever Jonathan Loaisiga that put Minnesota ahead 4-1.

Before Mauer's drive, the Twins expanded their lead against Loaisiga on a bases-loaded walk by Max Kepler and a bloop single by Willians Astudillo that dropped in front of Yankees right fielder Andrew McCutchen.

Mauer also scored Minnesota's first run in the third inning on a passed ball by catcher Austin Romine with the bases loaded. The Twins took a 3-1 lead on Jake Cave's two-run single up the middle off Sonny Gray (10-9) after Mauer scored.

Didi Gregorius tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Gary Sanchez in the second, then hit a grand slam in the sixth for the Yankees, who fell to 4-4 on a nine-game road trip. The Yankees (90-55) also saw their lead for the first AL wild card trimmed to two games over the Oakland A's.

Tyler Duffey served as the "opener" for the Twins and allowed one run on two hits in two innings. Kohl Stewart (1-1) followed and allowed three runs on two hits in 3 1/3 innings to get the win despite allowing five walks.

Stewart exited after issuing a free pass to Giancarlo Stanton that loaded the bases with one out in the sixth. Three pitches later, Gregorius hammered a 1-1 fastball from Trevor May to right field to make it 10-5.

It was Gregorius' 23rd homer of the season and second career grand slam. After May allowed the Yankees to inch closer, he fanned Sanchez and Luke Voit.

Gray made his second spot start since being removed from New York's rotation last month. He allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits in three innings.

--Field Level Media