Robinson Cano and Yankees Face Twins in the Bronx

The Minnesota Twins have lost 16 of their last 19 games at Yankee Stadium as they open up their final series ever at The House That Ruth Built.

The Yankees began with a positive start in their second half after sweeping the Oakland Athletics in three games at home to get to a season-best eight games over the .500 mark. 

With solid pitching and a very hot Robinson Cano the Yankees look to keep the momentum going at the stadium and continue to gain ground on Boston and Tampa Bay. Cano, who has eight hits since the break, hit a big tie-breaking three-run shot on Friday to help the Yankees secure a 7-1 win.

Cano continued to remain hot with a huge four-hit game with two doubles on Saturday and two more hits on Sunday. After starting the season staying below the .250 mark for the most part, Cano is now hitting .258 with seven home runs and 41 runs batted in. 

Yankee manager Joe Giardi has also taken notice and moved Robinson up to batting fifth during Sunday's game against Oakland. With Damon and Matsui still out with injuries and Jorge Posada slumping, Cano has stepped up and continues to prove to be a dominant hitter in the Yankees' lineup.

Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.96) will get the start for the Yankees. The right-hander, who has made three starts for the Yankees after being released by the Rangers, didn’t get a decision in his last start, but he pitched six innings and allowed one run in a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay on July 9.

Youngster Nick Blackburn (7-5, 3.65) will get the nod for the Minnesota Twins.  Blackburn has been solid for the Twins this season with consistent numbers.  He pitched well in his last outing against Detroit, but took the loss in a 4-2 game.

Minnesota has the best record in baseball since late June. They have won 21 of their last 28 games. The Twins (55-43) are a half game out in the Central behind the Chicago White Sox (55-42), having just one more loss. 

With Yankee Stadium closing its doors in two months, the Yankees want to make it a memorable season and they are currently in the thick of the AL East race, only four and a half games out from the Tampa Bay Rays.