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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — New York took a 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Twins in their American League Division Series as Andy Pettitte pitched seven smooth innings to lead the Yankees to a 5-2 win Thursday.

Lance Berkman hit a home run in the fifth and a go-ahead double in the seventh – immediately after a disputed pitch led to the ejection of Twins manager Ron Gardenhire – and sent the Twins to their 11th straight postseason loss. Eight of those have come against the Yankees, who trailed in each of those games.

The Twins, who haven't won a postseason game since 2004, matched the Philadelphia Phillies (1915-1976) for the second-longest postseason losing streak in history behind the Boston Red Sox (1986-1995), who lost 13 in a row.

Berkman put the Yankees ahead 3-2 with his double, one pitch after it appeared Minnesota pitcher Carl Pavano had sneaked strike three past him. Gardenhire argued with the plate umpire after Berkman's hit and was ejected.

Rangers 6, Rays 0

In St. Petersburg, Florida, Texas moved to the brink of winning a postseason series for the first time, taking a 2-0 lead over Tampa Bay in their ALDS series.

The Rangers are the only current major league franchise that's never won a playoff series. After taking two games on the road, that can change that when the best-of-five matchup shifts to Rangers Ballpark for Game 3 on Saturday.

Texas' Michael Young hit a three-run homer one pitch after a disputed check-swing that prompted the ejection of Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon.

Ian Kinsler also homered for the Rangers, who are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Texas starter C.J. Wilson allowed just two hits in 6 2-3 innings.

Relievers Darren O'Day and Darren Oliver completed the combined two-hitter before a sellout crowd of 35,535.

Rays starter James Shields allowed four runs over 4 1-3 innings.

Giants 1, Braves 0

In San Francisco, the home team took advantage of a questionable umpiring call to beat Atlanta in the opener of their NL Division Series.

San Francisco's Buster Posey led off the fourth inning with a single and stole second on a third strike.