The 2004 American League Division Series (ALDS), the opening round of the 2004 American League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 5, and ended on Saturday, October 9, with the champions of the three AL divisions—along with a "wild card" team—participating in two best-of-five series. They were: (1) New York Yankees (Eastern Division champion, 101–61) vs. (3) Minnesota Twins (Central Division champion, 92–70): Yankees win series, 3–1. (2) Anaheim Angels (Western Division champion, 92–70) vs. (4) Boston Red Sox (Wild Card, 98–64): Red Sox win series, 3–0. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox went on to meet in the AL Championship Series (ALCS). The Red Sox became the American League champion, and defeated the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series for their first World Championship since 1918. Matchups New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins Anaheim Angels vs. Boston Red Sox New York vs. Minnesota Game 1 Yankee Stadium (I) in Bronx, New York Pitching dominated in Game 1 as Mike Mussina faced Johan Santana. The Twins got on the board first when Shannon Stewart singled home Michael Cuddyer, who singled to leadoff and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Then in the sixth, Jacque Jones hit a solo home run to make it 2–0. The Yankees got nine hits and numerous walks, but never capitalized on Santana, Juan Rincón, or closer Joe Nathan, hitting into five double plays (including a strikeout-caught stealing play in the second and fly ball-out at home play in the third). , this is the last postseason game won by the Twins. Game 2 Yankee Stadium (I) in Bronx, New York Brad Radke of the Twins faced Jon Lieber of the Yankees in Game 2. In the top of the first, Justin Morneau doubled in Torii Hunter to give the Twins a 1–0 lead. In the bottom of the first, Derek Jeter's leadoff home run tied the score. A single by Michael Cuddyer with two on and sacrifice fly by Henry Blanco made it 3–1 Twins, but Gary Sheffield tied the game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the third. Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run. He added in another run in the seventh by singling home Miguel Cairo, who drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, to make it