Berkman goes yard, Yankees lead Twins in Game 2 - MLB

The Yankees and Twins are five innings deep into Game 2 of their ALDS matchup Thursday at Minnesota’s Target Field. So far, things are looking good for the away team.

Andy Pettitte had a rough second inning that saw him load the bases and then allow a run-scoring sacrifice fly to the Twins’ Danny Valencia. But he has since settled in and retired 12 straight batters.

Meanwhile Lance Berkman has improved his reputation among Yankees fans with a solo bomb to deep left-center field that put the away team up 2-1. Berkman batted just .255/.358/.349 over 106 at-bats after arriving in New York at this year’s trade deadline. A productive showing this postseason, of course, will make everyone forget about those struggles.

Twins starter Carl Pavano has pitched well, but the Yanks tend to take advantage of mistakes and the mustached right-hander has made one or two of those against his former team.

It was 73 degrees at game time in Minneapolis, yet another gorgeous night for baseball.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.