FORT MYERS, FLA. - A reporter mentioned to Twins righthander Carl Pavano on Sunday about how, earlier in camp, there was a note on Twitter in which a scout said Pavano was the most impressive pitcher in spring training.

"He wasn't at today's game," Pavano quipped.

The Twins beat New York 7-6 on Sunday, but Pavano was less than sharp, giving up four runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out four. The Twins led 6-1 through four innings before the Yankees scored three runs in the fifth and another in the sixth.

Pavano said the best part of his last exhibition start of the year was he reached the 90-pitch mark and believes he is ready to begin the regular season.

"It was kind of a shaky outing, to tell you the truth," he said. "Just one of those days where it was a battle. In spring training, it's all about getting your pitch count up."

Michael Cuddyer hit a long home run and Jim Thome hit an opposite-field homer to pace the Twins. Matt Tolbert added a two-run triple.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III