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Former Yankee Carl Pavano pitched seven strong innings at New Yankee Stadium to help the visiting Minnesota Twins beat the New York Yankees 7-3 in Monday’s series opener. It was only the second time Pavano had faced the Yankees since leaving the Bronx in 2008 after four injury-ravaged seasons. The Yankees scored all three of their runs in the first inning before their bats were silenced by Pavano.

After the loss, Yankee captain Derek Jeter found some nice-ish things to say about his former teammate. “Carl has always been a good pitcher,” said Jeter. “When he’s healthy, he pitches well.”

The Twins have struggled mightily in the Bronx under current manager Ron Gardenhire, who was hired in 2002. Under Gardenhire, the Twins are now 6-28 in road games against the Yankees. “It’s a new season,” said the rejuvenated and optimistic Twins skipper. “We’re 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.”

Yankees fifth starter Freddy Garcia took the loss for the home team after letting the Twins go ahead for good when Joe Mauer hit an 0-2 pitch for an RBI double.  Yankees manager Joe Girardi may be looking forward to dumping Freddy Garcia for recently unretired Andy Pettitte, though Girardi says the old lefthander’s return is still “a ways away.” Pettitte is scheduled to make his third minor league start on Friday.