TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is having his patience tested.

Corey Koskie homered and drove in three runs as the Minnesota Twins beat the New York Yankees 7-5 Tuesday night, dropping the defending two-time World Series champions to 0-6.

``Am I worried about it? No,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said before the game. ``Does it consume me? No. Am I going to try and do something different? No.''

``Losing in spring training is not important. It's important to make sure you play the game right. We've been a little sloppy playing the game and that bothers me''

The Twins scored twice in the first and second innings and took a 4-2 lead. Cristian Guzman had an RBI in both innings.

Scott Brosius homered and had two RBIs for the Yankees, who have not held a lead this spring. Chris Turner also homered for New York.

Koskie hit a two-run homer in the fifth, making it 7-4.

Minnesota starter Eric Milton allowed three runs and five hits over three innings and was the winner. Jake Westbrook gave up five runs and seven hits in his three-inning stint and took the loss.

``Anytime they're 0-6, that kind of stands out for the Yankees,'' said Milton, who started his career in New York organization. ``Anytime you see the Yankees losing, it is a little odd. But it is spring training and you can't go by spring training records.''

New York pitcher Ramiro Mendoza, sidelined by bronchitis, gave a two runs _ coming on Koskie's homer _ over two innings in his first outing.

Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams was back in the lineup after missing Monday's game with mild cramps in his right calf. He had a RBI single during a two-run first-inning.

Jack Cressend got a save.

Notes: Television host Regis Philbin fouled a ball off his left shin while taking batting practice. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch after icing the injury. ... Yankees 2B Chuck Knoblauch was scratched with a sore left middle finger. ... New York RHP Orlando Hernandez (back stiffness) will make his spring debut Thursday against Philadelphia. ... Twins CF Jacque Jones tripled in both the first and second innings.