New York Heads Back To The Postseason As They Host Minnesota In The Wild - Card Game

I don't know about the rest of their fan base in New York, the United States and even around the country but I was excited when the team from the Bronx made it back to the postseason in 2017. 

The journey begins  Tuesday when twenty-three old Luis Severino who is from the Dominican Republic takes the mound for New York at Yankee Stadium. He will oppose Minnesota Twins thirty four-year-old Ervin Santana who is also from the Dominican Republic in the wild card game. 

After a full regular season of drama and intrigue, the postseason is finally here -- and back in the Bronx. The 2017 playoffs begin Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees and Twins will battle in the American League Wild Card Game." according to  http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

It's a matchup few saw coming when the season began, with Minnesota coming off a 59-103 2016 campaign and the Yankees still thought to be a year or two away from legitimate contention. But both clubs rebuilt in what felt like record time, as both relied on the progression of several key young players to quickly turn into contenders again. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

Sparked by the historic breakout year from right fielder Aaron Judge, the emergence of ace Luis Severino and backed by a lockdown bullpen, the Yankees are back in the postseason after a one-year hiatus. They hosted the 2015 AL Wild Card Game but lost to the Astros. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

The Twins started hot, then kept winning as several young players learned how to excel at the Major League level. Coupled with solid years from veterans Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer, the Twins used breakout campaigns from center fielder Byron Buxton, third baseman Miguel Sano, left fielder Eddie Rosario and starter Jose Berrios to beat out a crowded AL Wild Card field to make the postseason for the first time since 2010. Minnesota is the first team to make the playoffs a year after losing 100 games. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

Now the fate of both teams rests on one game, and so it's no surprise they'll send their best arms to the mound. For Minnesota that is Ervin Santana, who enjoyed his best year in a Twins uniform at age 34, going 16-8 with a 3.28 ERA. Santana tied Indians ace Corey Kluber to lead the Majors with five complete games and three shutouts. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

He'll be opposed by Severino, the hard-throwing righty who validated the Yankees' decision to keep him in the rotation prior to this season. The 23-year-old blossomed in 2017, going 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and striking out 230 batters over 193 1/3 innings. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

That's the matchup, with the winner set for a date with Cleveland in the AL Division Series presented by Doosan. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

The Twins have some really good fastball hitters, and they'll need them to be geared up against Severino. The righty has an electric arm, one that allowed him to throw more triple-digit fastballs than any starter in baseball this season. Severino also keeps his velocity late into games, throwing more 100-plus mph fastballs after the seventh inning than any other starter. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

 The Yankees won the season series, 4-2, and swept Minnesota over a three-game set at Yankee Stadium in mid-September. They've also fared well against Minnesota historically. New York has won nine straight playoff games against the Twins, and 12 of 14 dating back to 2003. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

 The Twins would love to have the 28 home runs, 77 RBIs, and .865 OPS that Sano, their big bopper, provided in the middle of the lineup in just 480 plate appearances. The slugger returned Saturday after missing 38 games with a stress reaction in his left shin, but he is still questionable to play Tuesday. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20171001257011978/twins-yanks-set-for-wild-start-to-postseason/?game_pk=526475

As for New York's last game, They lost their regular season finale to Toronto. 

It's hard to believe that the regular season is now over as New York lost the season finale against Toronto Sunday. Although the season is not yet over for New York as they will face Minnesota in the wild-card game Tuesday.

With the Yankees tuning up for the playoffs and the Blue Jays turning their attention toward 2018, Ryan Goins knocked home the go-ahead run with an eighth-inning tapper up the first-base line as Toronto completed the regular season with a 2-1 victory on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Goins' soft groundout off reliever Domingo German allowed Rob Refsnyder to score Toronto's second run of the afternoon after New York's Matt Holliday had tied the game in the seventh inning with his 19th homer, a shot down the left-field line off right-hander Danny Barnes. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

The Yankees rested several of their regulars in preparation for Tuesday's American League Wild Card Game against the Twins, which will be played at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

"You have one shot at it," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's not like there's a tomorrow, so it is a different feeling. The biggest thing is you want to keep things as normal as you can and help the players relax and let them go do their thing." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Playing what was likely his final game in a Blue Jays uniform, Jose Bautista lifted a fourth-inning sacrifice fly in support of Toronto starter Brett Anderson, who worked five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits in a no-decision. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

It was a tough, long grind," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "The guys battled hard all year. It wasn't what we wanted obviously, but it's always good to finish on a good note, which was a win today. What that means, who knows? But now we'll all go home, rest up and see what the plans are, see what moves are made and come back strong next year." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Yankees left-hander Jordan Montgomery completed his rookie season with 5 1/3 innings of one-run, two-hit ball, finishing with a 3.88 ERA in 29 starts. Montgomery said that he was satisfied with how his first taste of the big leagues went and is looking forward to the Yankees' postseason run. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

"You definitely think of the big leagues and you think, 'Oh, wow, it's going to be really hard,'" Montgomery said. "It's lived up to it. You've just got to settle in and trust yourself. It's about the best time to be a Yankee and be young right now." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

After giving up the lead in the seventh, Toronto responded in the eighth with the rare use of small ball. With a pair of runners on and nobody out, Darwin Barney hit a two-strike bunt down the first-base line, which put two men in scoring position. Goins then came through with a little dribbler in front of the plate that went just far enough to score Refsnyder from third base with the go-ahead run. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Bautista's tenure with the Blue Jays likely came to an end on Sunday afternoon and he finished it on a positive note. With runners on the corners in the fourth inning, Bautista hit a sacrifice fly to center field for his 65th RBI of the season. Bautista, who singled in his first at-bat of the game, was then lifted from the game in favor of Michael Saunders. There's a mutual option on Bautista's contract for next season, but Toronto is expected to decline it and instead allow him to become a free agent. He finished the year hitting .203 with 23 homers, 84 walks, and a franchise-record 170 strikeouts. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

"I won't really look at the numbers too much -- they are what they are and I can't change them," Bautista said. "All I can do is get ready for next season and be ready to contribute for the team that I'm with at that time. Right now, I'm a Toronto Blue Jay and that hasn't changed. I've said it all along, this is where I want to be and finish my career. We'll see what happens in the future. It's out of my control now." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

"Not today. On the road, it's much different. It was much easier to handle today." -- Bautista, on whether there was any extra emotion involved playing in what might have been his final game with the Blue Jays "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

It took until the final day of the regular season, but the Blue Jays finally got out of last place in the AL East. With Baltimore losing, 6-0, to Tampa Bay, Toronto moved out of last place for the first time this season. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Gibbons won a challenge in the bottom of the fourth inning when Tyler Wade attempted to take second base following a pickoff attempt. Wade initially was called safe at second base, but the call was overturned. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

Girardi then won a challenge in the bottom of the fifth. Toronto appeared to turn a double play, but Goins' foot came off the base before he received the throw. Chase Headley was ruled safe after the call was overturned." according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/257057814/blue-jays-beat-yanks-in-regular-season-finale/

As for Minnesota's last game, They beat Detroit in their regular-season finale.

Jason Castro backed a strong showing by Bartolo Colon as the Twins defeated the Tigers, 5-1, on Sunday at Target Field in the final game of the regular season. Minnesota, which won 11 of the 19 meetings with Detroit this season, will face the Yankees on Tuesday in the American League Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

The game was delayed 40 minutes prior to first pitch, the seventh delay at Target Field this season. The Twins finished with an 85-77 record, which is 26 more wins than they recorded in 2016, and their most victories in a year since a 94-win season in '10. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

"It's been a good year. You have to be pleased," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said. "We have extended our season, and I don't think we are satisfied by any means. One game is tricky, but I know we are going to show up and play well." "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Colon wrapped up his 20th Major League season with 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, in which he allowed three hits and struck out four batters with one walk. Colon notched his 240th career win, his fifth in 15 starts as a Twin. Alex Presley recorded the only run off Colon, launching a solo shot in the top of the third. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Joe Mauer and Castro provided enough run support to back the veteran hurler. Mauer delivered a RBI double in the first, while Castro drove in two in the fourth with a go-ahead single off Detroit right-hander Anibal Sanchez. In what could be his final outing as a Tiger, Sanchez gave up three runs on seven hits across five frames. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

"I feel good, especially to finish healthy," Sanchez said. "To be able to be on the mound at this point, it's really good." "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Castro and Chris Gimenez went deep in the sixth and eighth, respectively, with Gimenez's the first pinch-hit homer of his career. Miguel Sano, who was activated off the disabled list on Friday, started as designated hitter for the second straight game and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout. He is 1-for-8 since returning from the DL. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

"It's one of those things where I don't think [Sano] feels great," Molitor said. "We will see how he feels tomorrow after getting at-bats today and make a decision on how we proceed." "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

The Twins manufactured a pair of runs on three straight singles to open the fourth, which handed them a 3-1 advantage. Following Eduardo Escobar's leadoff single, Byron Buxton recorded a base knock, then immediately stole second base. It marked his 29th steal of the season on 30 attempts, extending his club record to 24 consecutive base thefts without getting caught. Castro drove them both home with a two-run base hit into left. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Castro added to his offensive showcase on Sunday with a solo homer in the sixth. According to Statcast™, Castro's 10th dinger went a projected 409 feet with an exit velocity of 108 mph, making it his hardest-hit homer and third-hardest hit of the season. Castro became the ninth Twin to club double-digit long balls, which is the second most in club history. Last season, 11 Minnesota batters hit 10 or more home runs. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

"Throughout the course of the season, you have ups and downs," second baseman Brian Dozier said. "This team has remained optimistic and resilient. The fight and passion we put in day in and day out is just off the charts." "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

I was second-guessing him, firing off a couple tweets why he brought [Blaine] Hardy in and why he brought [Drew] VerHagen in. And he got the loss. The ceiling is high for him." -- Brad Ausmus on Ian Kinsler, whom Ausmus let manage the game in Ausmus' final contest as Tigers skipper "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Mauer finished the regular season with a .305 batting average, his eighth hitting at least .300 and first since 2013. The eight seasons are tied for third-most in Twins history with Kirby Puckett, trailing only Tony Oliva (9) and Rod Carew (10). "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Minnesota's 11 wins over Detroit mark the club's most victories in a year against the Tigers since going 12-7 in 2009. "according to http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/257000190/jason-castro-twins-beat-tigers/

Right-hander Irvin Santana will get the start for Minnesota. He has a record of 16-8 with a 3.28 earn run average. Santana, the anchor of Minnesota's staff, will make his ninth career postseason appearance and third start in the AL Wild Card Game.  He finished the year strong with a 3.31 earn run average in six September starts. He will oppose New York right-hander Luis Severino who has a record of 14-6 with an earn run average of 2.98. Severino will be making his first appearance at any level in AL Wild Card Game, after going 9-2 with a 2.28 earn run average since the break. He faced the Twins on Sept. 20, allowing three runs on five hits in three innings. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/twins-vs-yankees/2017/10/03/526475#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=526475

Will Luis Severino be as dominate as he has been all year in his first wild card game? Will the Minnesota offense be able to get their offense going against him? Will the New York offense be able to get their offense going against Ervin Santana? Which team will execute and move on in the playoffs?

First pitch is set for 8:00 pm. The game will be televised on ESPN. "according to  https://www.mlb.com/gameday/twins-vs-yankees/2017/10/03/526475#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=526475