"A.J. Burnett's future in the rotation continues to be a hot topic, but there's one thing nobody can debate: Ivan Nova has established himself as one of the Yankees' best starters.

Nova won his ninth straight decision, shutting the Twins out over seven innings to lead the Yankees to a 3-0 victory Sunday at Target Field.

Nova allowed five hits and walked two, while striking out five to improve to 13-4. Nova is the first Yankees rookie pitcher to win that many games since Ron Davis went 14-2 out of the bullpen in 1979, and the first starter to accomplish the feat since Doc Medich went 14-9 in 1973.

"He's been reliable," Joe Girardi said. "This is a kid that got off to a slow start but has really turned his season around.""