The Yankees secured an extra-innings victory, but lost their second baseman.

After splitting the first two games in Minnesota, the Yankees turned to David Cone for the rubber game, as they looked to notch yet another series victory. The former Cy Young Award winner and four-time All-Star had been absolutely electric to start the season, having surrendered just three earned runs in his first 33 innings of work that season. The Twins, meanwhile, sent out young Brad Radke, who had received an All-Star nod the previous season. Unfortunately, despite the excitement for the pitching matchup, a late double play would turn out to be the real story of the day — one that would threaten to have major ramifications on the Yankees’ season.

May 6: Yankees 4, Twins 3 (box score)

Record: 18-9 (1st, +3.5 GA)

Right from the jump, it quickly became clear that Cone did not have his best stuff that day. After retiring the first two batters in the bottom of the first, the righty walked No. 3 hitter Matt Lawton, then allowed him to swipe second; he would come around to score when Brent Gates doubled. Coney then walked Doug Mientkiewicz on four pitches to put runners on first and second before surrendering another double — this time to Terry Steinbach — to plate them both. Although he got Corey Koskie to ground out to first, the damage was done: Minnesota had grabbed an early 3-0 lead. In just one inning, Cone had already matched his run total from his first five starts combined.

Chili Davis got one run back by leading off the top of the second with a home run. For the next few frames, however, the two pitchers traded zeroes before Scott Brosius cut the lead to one with a solo shot. Neither pitcher had it easy — Cone managed to go 7.1 innings without giving up another run, but allowed seven hits and walked seven in the process, while Radke scattered nine hits across six innings — but they managed to do enough to hand the ball over to their bullpens with a chance to win. Fortunately for the Yankees, in this regard, they held the advantage.

Minnesota reliever “Everyday” Eddie Guardado lived up to his nickname in his third consecutive game of the series. More importantly for Twins skipper Tom Kelly, he got two quick outs in the top of the eighth, inducing a fly out and popup from Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez, respectively. Guardado walked designated hitter Chili Davis, however, before handing the ball over to veteran Rick Aguilera. With Ricky Ledee pinch-running for Davis, Scott Brosius laced a triple to tie the game at three. Unfortunately, the Yankees stranded him there, as Chad Curtis grounded out to third to end the frame. V