Pavano, Rodriguez lift the Yankees past Twins

Carl Pavano has been testing the patience of the New York Yankees since they signed him to a four-year, $40-million contract right before Christmas in 2004.

With the help of Alex Rodriguez and Bobby Abreu, Pavano gave the Yankees the pitching performance they’ve been waiting for.

Rodriguez homered for the third straight game, Abreu went three for four with a home run and four runs batted in and Pavano threw seven efficient innings in the Yankees’ 8-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night.

Striking out two without a walk over 79 pitches, Pavano (1-0) gave up six hits and two runs for his first victory since May 22, 2005.

“Some days, it feels like yesterday. Sometimes, a lifetime,” said Pavano, who has been sidelined by shoulder, elbow and back problems since signing the deal. Before pitching last week on opening day, Pavano’s previous appearance was June 27, 2005.

“I’m excited to take this win and get rolling,” he said. “Someone’s got to go out and do it. I’m glad I was the guy.”

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Rodriguez became the first player in team history to hit five home runs in the first six games.

Attempting his own revival, Twins pitcher Sidney Ponson (0-1) gave up 10 hits and eight runs in 5 2/3 innings.

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Chicago 4, at Oakland 1: After Jim Thome’s tying solo home run in the fourth inning, Scott Podsednik broke the deadlock with a solo shot in the fifth.

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at Baltimore 6, Detroit 2: Daniel Cabrera (1-1) allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings and Kevin Millar homered in a four-run third of the Orioles’ home opener.

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at Toronto 9, Kansas City 1: A.J. Burnett and three relievers combined on a four-hitter and Vernon Wells homered. Lyle Overbay added a three-run double. Odalis Perez (0-2) allowed four runs and seven hits in 1 1/3 innings.

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at Texas 8, Tampa Bay 4: Ian Kinsler went four for four and drove in the tie-breaking run in a six-run sixth inning. He was the first of six straight batters to reach against two Tampa Bay relievers, who didn’t record an out.

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New York 8, at Minnesota 2: Johnny Damon had two hits in his first start in a week because of a strained calf.

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Seattle at Cleveland, ppd.: A snowstorm wiped out the series for the fourth straight day. Makeup dates are undetermined.