So much for Eddie Bonine. The Tigers pitcher only lasted 2 and 2/3 innings before getting shellacked by this potent Twin’s offense. (Someone pinch me, I can’t believe I wrote that last sentence.) On to some notes!
-We’ll start things with the lead-off hitter, Gomez. He went 3-5 today with a double and a run scored. His average is now up to .274. He only struck out once! Yippee!
-Denard Span had another good game today. He went 1-4, but had a double and two runs scored. His average, in a small sample size, is .293.
-After sitting yesterday Buscher had a decent game this afternoon. He went 1-4 with a RBI. After getting dangerously close to a .400 average, Buscher is now hitting .339. What a stud.
-Mauer almost got completely overlooked today despite his great game. He went 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. He showed off his excellent patience today and drew one of the two walks Detroit pitchers issued.
-Nick Punto had the other walk. Punto went 2-3 today with a RBI. Let me repeat, 2-3 with a RBI. Maybe all that pouting on the bench is paying off. To all the kids out there, be sure to idolize Punto when put in his situation. It is always best to pout and whine when you are not getting the playing time you deser…er, want.
-Young went 3-4 today with a RBI and a run scored. His average is up to .284. Gomez and Young were the two most undisciplined hitters on this roster a few days ago. Could they really be turning things around already?
-Morneau was the only hittless Twin today, but he still managed to score a run.
-That brings up to Blackburn. I think of him as the fourth or fifth starter in a few years, but with games like these he may just bump some people down. Incredible! He went seven innings giving up only three hits. He walked only one and struck out four.
-Crain came in and gave up two hits, but managed to get out of the eighth unscathed. Boof also pitched today, closing out the game in the ninth without surrendering a hit. While Crain struggled yet again against Detroit, Boof thrived. It was thought that only Nathan could be trusted against this Tiger lineup, but Boof is battling to join him.
-The White Sox play tonight at 8:11 EST against Cleveland. The game last night went to extra innings with Chicago coming from behind to win. Go Tribe!
Minnesota is off tomorrow, so come back here for the second edition of “Off Day Linkage.” After the rest day, Minnesota begins a series with the Tribe at the Dome. After that, it’s going to be tough going…
Great win. This was a very good win for the Twins. They needed this series especially with them being at home. You don’t lose series at home. I want the Twins to get another series before that big series at Boston next week.I had a good feeling the Twins would win the next two. They were facing the Tigers “C” pitchers, which means Robertson and Bonine are #5 starters. I figured the Twins would do well offensively, and they did just that yesterday and today. You have to like how Alexi is mimicking Carlos in getting on base. I know they are roommates on the road and it’s clear that Carlos has rubbed off on him.Carlos Gomez can be infuriating to watch, but days like today is why you don’t give up on him. Joe Mauer is having an excellent season, and that’s why I am voting for him 25 times tonight like a mad man.As for Nicky, he did well. He is a great pitcher at the Dome. Now, he needs to do well away from the Dome. Just a great win all around. Well-deserved day off tomorrow.
I agree. Everyone will be able to rest better after a good, solid win like this. Let’s just hope that the ChiSox lose…
I hope Cleveland lays down this weekend like they did at Chicago. It probably will happen. Twins are money at home.