Slowey quickly settled in, though, and retired 12 in a row until Wilson Betemit, subbing for Jeter at shortstop, hit a two-out single in the fifth. Bobby Abreu drew a one-out walk in the sixth, but Rodriguez was retired on a popup and Abreu was caught stealing to end the inning.

“They’re a great team. These are the guys that we grew up watching. I grew up watching Derek Jeter in the World Series and Alex Rodriguez in the Kingdome,” Slowey said. “You certainly kind of take a step back coming into the series and say, ’All right, this is another game, but it is but it is a little more special."

Home plate umpire Mike Winters was hit on the chin by Brian Buscher’s foul ball in the bottom of the inning and left the game. Angel Campos moved from first base to replace him after a 10-minute delay. With 91 pitches, Slowey’s afternoon was over.

Job well done against the Yankees, who were literally falling apart at the seams. Giambi was charged with an error at first base, in the first inning when a low throw from Betemit went through the webbing in his glove. He got a different mitt after the miscue.

The play was harmless, but fitting.

“Chance to win a series after an emotional win last night and you don’t do it, it’s not good,” manager Joe Girardi said.

Notes: Jeter hurt the instep of his foot when he fouled a ball off of it the night before. Girardi said he was very sore, but available to pinch hit and should be able to return to the lineup on Friday. ... Slowey faced 94 consecutive batters without issuing a walk until Abreu’s in the sixth. ... The Twins are 25-8 at home since June 1. ... Girardi said RHPs Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano will both make at least one more rehab start in the minors Sunday. “There’s still work to be done,” Girardi said. Dan Giese has been slated to start next Tuesday, but his sixth-inning relief appearance ended after 15 pitches due to stiffness in his right shoulder.

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