Metrodome Memories

With a win tonight the Twins could’ve been in 1st in the AL Central. However, some shaky pitching and a resurgence of the White Sox offense prevented the division takeover, as the Twins fell 8-3.

The Twins could not get anything going against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd, their only run against him coming on a Justin Morneau RBI double in the 4th. They were able to get a few runs against the bullpen. Starter Livan Hernandez had another shaky outing, lasting only 4 innings and giving up 5 runs. Boof Bonser would relieve him and give up 3 runs of his own.

Losing the chance to be on top in the AL Central has to be a downer for the Twins, especially after all the momentum they built up over the previous two games. With a win tomorrow, they would be right back up there and would come away a 4 game series victory, a huge boost as they continue their quest for the postseason.

The complete victory from last night seemed to carry over into tonight’s game as the Twins were able to beat the White Sox 6-5 and earn at least a 4 game split. Even though they fell behind early, they kept at it and thanks to a big inning were able to pull off the win.

The team was down by 4 runs entering the 5th, but that’s when they started to rally. It happened the way the Twins are known for it. They got runners on base, advanced them over and brought them home, driving in 2. Later in the inning with the bases loaded, Justin Morneau brought them all home with a big hit to put the Twins on top 5 to 4. Starter Glen Perkins had a so-so outing, while he did get the win, he gave up 4 runs with 7 hits and 2 walks.

It appears the Twins are on a roll. They put together a big inning to mount the comeback victory and all the momentum seems to be on their side. Now they just need to keep beating the White Sox and they can reclaim the Al Central.

With the series against the White Sox carrying so much significance for the AL Central battle, the Twins were more then up for the challenge. The bats did their job and Kevin Slowey turned in a dominant start to give the Twins the 7-0 series opening victory.

It was a special night for Denard Span, as he hit his 1st career home run in the 3rd, a 2 run blast. Justin Morneau followed with a 2 run shot of his own later in the inning. The 3rd was pivotal for the Twins, as they were able to get ahead and take control of the game, putting more runs across in the later innings to seal the deal.

Slowey turned in one of the best starts by a Twins pitcher this season. Just when the team needed a good outing to start the series, Slowey gave them a complete game shutout. What makes it even more impressive is that he was able to cool off the recently hot bats of the White Sox.

The Twins were looking for a victory to set the tone for the series. They got that and so much more. The bats displayed some power, but Slowey’s performance was the highlight of the game. With such a dominating victory, one can be sure that this will carry over into the rest of the series.

After just breaking a losing slump, the Twins were hoping to keep the winning going. They did so today in dramatic fashion, putting the decisive runs across in the 9th inning to capture a 4-2 series victory over Cleveland.

The Twins struggled in the early going, but managed to push across 2 runs, both via RBI groundouts, in the 6th inning. However, the Twins’ dramatic 9th was their highlight of the game. Justin Morneau’s RBI double put across the winning run and the team was able to tack on another run. The Twins might not have gotten to that point if it wasn’t for Denard Span’s amazing 8th inning catch in the outfield that in all likelihood saved the game.

The Twins were helped by some solid pitching from Nick Blackburn who gave up just 1 run over 7 innings. There was a spot of trouble after he left, but the bullpen was able to clamp down on the Indians, which included Joe Nathan getting his 28th save of the season.

Of course another win is always a good thing in putting a big losing streak behind a team. However, it is especially important that the Twins are winning and building their confidence. Next they have a crucial series against the White Sox that could very well factor into who ends up winning the division.

Maybe tonight was a special night for some reason or maybe Twins didn’t want their losing streak at 6. Whatever the reason, they resumed their winning ways and did it big, with an 11-4 victory over the Indians.

The Twins didn’t even wait for everyone to settle into their seats in Cleveland, as they piled on 6 runs in the top of the 1st. Jason Kubel drove in a run, then Delmon Young bested him by driving in 2, then Brian Buscher bested them both with a 3 run homer. Buscher didn’t stop there, getting a 2 RBI double in the 3rd.

Starter Scott Baker started off very strong before allowing a run in the 5th, struggling in the 6th and exiting soon after that. However the Twins were so far ahead and the bullpen held the lead, that Baker’s struggles were somewhat minimized in the bigger picture.

The Twins can rejoice now that they’ve put all the losing behind. Perhaps the biggest takeaway besides the win is that the bats were so active, particularly early and often. Armed with a win, the Twins will go for the series victory against Cleveland tomorrow.

The Twins were looking to bounce back after a very tough series against the Yankees. They viewed the game earlier tonight as a way to put the losing behind them. However, they could not accomplish that and fell to the Indians 5-4.

As if the loss wasn’t bad enough, Carlos Gomez had to be carted off the field in the 1st inning after making a catch and crashing into the outfield wall. The Twins were only able to get 2 runs against Indians starter Cliff Lee. However, they charged back after he left. Justin Morneau hit a 2 run blast to make it a 1 run game, but the team couldn’t finish the job.

The Indians jumped out ahead due to an uneven performance by Livan Hernandez. He couldn’t seem to get his pitches where he wanted them early on and surrendered 5 runs, however he did settle down and ended up pitching a complete game.

The immediate concern for the Twins is how serious Gomez’s injury is, but they do have the depth to cover for him. The other concern is breaking this losing streak. There’s not much they can do, except go out and keep doing what’s been getting them wins all season.

It’s been a series to forget for the Twins and today’s game wasn’t any different. They couldn’t seize the chance for victory and were once again overpowered by Yankees and fell in the finale 5-1. This is their 4th straight loss.

The team couldn’t do anything against Mike Mussina and their only run came after he exited the game. Frustration abound as chances slipped away and helmets were thrown and bats broken. Starter Glen Perkins even snapped at second baseman Alexi Casilla at one point. Just like yesterday, one inning was the Twins undoing. Perkins had been cruising, but gave up 2 runs in the 5th and 3 more in the 6th.

It seems the Twins have hit a new bottom with all the outward showings of frustration. The good thing is that this series is over and they have a day off to rest and get ready to get back on track. The Twins got swept by the Red Sox earlier in the month, but bounced back with a good series against Detroit, so they’re hoping for a repeat of that.

Trying to shake off last night’s game, the Twins started off on the right track, and got a lead over the Yankees. However, one bad inning and the Yankees started to pull away, and the Twins ended up with an 8-2 loss.

The Twins tried to put some runs across, but came up empty until the 6th. The team played some smallball to get their runs. Carlos Gomez got a double, was moved over to 3rd by Denard Span’s single and then scored on an error. Span later scored himself on a fielder’s choice.

In the bottom of the inning, things fell apart for the Twins. Kevin Slowey had been pitching solidly until then, but gave up a two run homer to Bobby Abreu. Thing only got worse from there. Jesse Crain allowed 4 runs in the 7th without getting an out.

The Twins had the lead, but let it slip away from them. It will be a test to see how they play tomorrow, as they try to avoid the sweep. They have a critical series against the White Sox coming up, so they must be ready to tackle that challenge.

The Twins headed into their series at Yankee Stadium full of confidence with their recent winning trend. However, that ground to a halt earlier tonight as they were unable to overcome the Yankees, and lost 12-4.

As large as the deficit at the end was, the Twins battled back earlier to tie it at 2 in the 2nd, including a close play at home in which Brendan Harris was ruled safe. The 2 other runs the scored were not enough to overcome the Yankees.

Nick Blackburn had a night to forget. He gave up 6 runs, and lasted just 1 2/3 innings, before giving way to Boof Bonser. Bonser didn’t fare much better, surrendering 4 runs of his own. The rest of the relievers were able to stop the damage somewhat, but by that point the Yankees were too far ahead.

The Twins were riding high and believed they could continue winning. One loss isn’t going to deter them, as they still have a chance to win the series, they just have to leave tonight’s game behind them and focus on tomorrow.

Unlike yesterday, in which the Twins seemed to hit every other pitch that was thrown to them, they couldn’t get anything going against the Rangers earlier today and one mistake by Scott Baker led to a 1-0 loss.

The Twins were only able to muster 3 hits against the Rangers and a few mistakes foiled any chance of getting some offense started. Starter Scott Baker pitched great, throwing 8 innings, fanning 8 and gave up only 2 hits, but one of those hits was a solo home run in the 6th that proved to be the difference maker. He had been throwing a perfect game up to that point.

This was just one of those hard luck games. Baker’s one mistake led to the loss, but he can take solace in the fact that he pitched so well other then the home run. The team came out of the gate after the All Star Break firing on all cylinders and this tough loss will certainly not hamper them.

The Twins’ offense took off in a big way tonight, as they battered the Rangers pitchers all night long en route to a 14-2 victory. Justin Morneau paced the attack that included 4 home runs.

The home run barrage included blasts by Joe Mauer, Delmon Young, Morneau and Brian Buscher. However, the home runs only made up 6 of the 14 runs. The offense came alive in other ways as Morneau also added a 3 run double to bring his RBI total to 5 and Craig Monroe, Denard Span and Carlos Gomez all broke hitless streaks.

Livan Hernandez started by surrendering a 2 run homer in the 2nd, but settled in and finished strong in 7 innings total. It was a night where Hernandez continued his streak of good pitching at home.

The Twins continue to win and tonight won big. The All Star Break didn’t even faze them as they flexed some power not usually associated with this team. The team hopes they can continue the winning as they get closer to the AL Central lead.

The Twins began the 2nd half of their season with a big 6-0 shutout of the Texas Rangers. The bats came alive and the pitching was able to hold down the Rangers offense.

The scoring started when Brian Buscher singled in Home Run Derby winner Justin Morneau in the 4th. Brendan Harris would add an RBI single in the 6th, but the Twins busted it open in the 7th, scoring 4 runs and chasing Texas starter Kevin Millwood out of the game.

Starter Glen Perkins did quite well, throwing 6 shutout innings, while allowing only 3 hits. Craig Breslow, Jesse Crain and Boof Bonser held down the fort to complete the shutout.

The Twins entered the All Star Break on a huge winning trend and with tonight’s victory, they appear to be set to continue. The team shut down a good Texas offense and are primed to continue their chase for the AL Central.

The Twins had been on a high after winning three straight close games against the Tigers and were hoping to get the 4 game sweep earlier today. But alas, they could not pull it off and lost to Detroit 4-2.

Both of the Twins’ runs came in the 4th, with Joe Mauer scoring on a wild pitch and Brendan Harris continuing to produce with an RBI single. Starter Nick Blackburn was solid giving up 3 runs and 5 hits over 7 innings. Brian Bass would give up the remaining Tiger run in the 8th.

Despite heading into the All Star Break with a loss, the Twins are very happy with their position. They’ve kept winning and winning over the past month and established themselves as a legitimate contender for the AL Central, all in a season when most expected them to hover at the bottom of the standings.

The Twins’ confidence just keeps on growing and growing as they keep winning. They did it again today, winning 6-5 for their third one run victory in a row. They were led by Brenddan Harris and Joe Mauer and held off a late rally by the Tigers to achieve the series victory.

Harris was the offensive catalyst, generating the 1st 2 Twin runs on RBI singles. Deciding that was not enough, he added a solo homer in the 7th. Not to be outdone, later in the inning Joe Mauer hit a 2 run shot and Harris would drive in one more in the 8th to complete his night.

Starter Scott Baker pitched a solid outing, giving up a 2 run homer in the 4th, until the 8th when he exited after giving up another 2 run shot. The Tigers added one more run, but the Twins’ bullpen was able to hold them off and keep the lead intact. Overall, it was just what the Twins needed. Baker kept the Tigers off balance off for most of his start, except for the 2 homers.

It’s safe to say the Twins have put the Boston series behind them. They’ve been able to play their brand of baseball, getting runners on, moving them over and then bringing them home. They’ve been helped by solid starting pitching and a great bullpen. A win tomorrow to get the 4 game series sweep over divisional rival Detroit would only serve to further bolster their confidence and lead over the Tigers.

The Twins rode solid pitching and timely hitting to a 3-2 victory over the Tigers tonight. It was a game of the Twins taking advantage of oppurtunities when they got them, but they also missed out on a few that could’ve built their lead.

Down 1-0 in the 4th, Brian Buscher singled and was later driven in by a Nick Punto double. It was the 7th that could’ve been big. Up 2-1, they had the bases loaded when Delmon Young hit a sac fly to go up 3-1, but Brendan Harris struck out with 2 on to end the inning. The Twins had also had runners in scoring position in the 1st few innings, but couldn’t capitalize.

Starter Glen Perkins started out solidly, getting through the 1st 6 innings relatively unscathed, allowing a run and getting out of a few jams. But in the 7th, he loaded the bases and allowed a sac fly before he was pulled with two outs. The bullpen was able to hold the lead and Joe Nathan rebounded from his rough 9th inning last night to get the save.

The Twins keep winning and creeping closer to the White Sox atop the AL Central. To keep winning and putting distance between themselves and the Tigers is huge heading into the All Star Break. This way they can rest up a bit and be ready to resume their division hunt. A win tomorrow to gain the series victory would only serve to further build their confidence.

The Twins had just come out of a very dissapointing series against Boston where everything just didn’t seem to go their way. However, when the chips were down earlier today, the team fought back and Justin Morneau sealed the 7-6 win in extra innings.

Despite being put into an early hole, the Twins battled back. The day belonged to Morneau, Nick Punto and Denard Span, who had 11 of the 15 Twin hits and scored 6 of the 7 runs. The three led the comeback that was able to send the game into extra innings. But, it was Morneau’s solo blast in the top of the 11th that was the winning run and the most important hit of the night.

Starter Kevin Slowey did not do well at all, giving up 6 runs in only 3 2/3 innings, despite being given an early lead. However, the bullpen stepped up to the challenge and the relievers redeemed themselves after their recent struggles. They shut down the Tiger offense and gave their hitters the chance to complete the comeback.

This is a huge win for the Twins and it was just the thing the team needed after the Boston series. The game was especially important for the bullpen, since they were handed the chance to redeem themselves and succeded. It did wonders for the team’s confidence as they head into the rest of this important series against a diviional rival.

The Twins were hoping to avoid the series sweep at the hands of the Red Sox and salvage something earlier today. Unfortunately, things did not turn out like that, as the Red Sox broke out the bats in a big way and ended up with an 18-5 bashing of the Twins.

The Twins actually got off to a good start, scoring 3 runs in the 1st inning, including Justin Morneau’s 13th home run of the season. They were able to keep pace with the Sox by scoring 2 in the 6th to pull within one, and they had some chances to rally, but that would be when Boston would pull away.

Despite being given a 3 run lead, starter Livan Hernandez was not able to hold it, giving up 6 runs and 11 hits over 4 1/3 innings. However, the 7th was when it started to fall apart. The Sox poured on the runs over the next innings and turned the game into an ugly scene for the Twins. Manager Ron Gardenhire wasn’t even able to see most of it, as he was ejected in the 7th, before it got really ugly.

The Twins had such high hopes for this series. They were hoping to get even closer to the White Sox at the top of the AL Central and had so much confidence, coming off their recent long winning trend. Although this loss was very demoralizing for the Twins, there’s really no place to go but up from here. They are still within striking distance of the division lead and have bounced back from big losses before.

Over the course of the season, the Twins’ bullpen has been one of its strengths, holding down leads and securing wins. Lately, it seems like that hasn’t been the case. They let a tie game slip into a 1-0 loss last night and let another lead disappear as the Red Sox rallied for the 6-5 win.

The Twins started their run scoring in the 4th, when Brendan Harris tripled in 2 runs and would later score himself. He would score again in the 7th and Delmon Young would add an RBI single in the 8th. The offense was able to keep Boston at bay until they rallied back.

For the second straight game, a Twins starter had a good start. This time Nick Blackburn kept his team in the game by allowing just 2 runs in 6 2/3 innings. However, it was relievers Dennys Reyes and Matt Guerrier who gave up 4 runs between them to Boston in the bottom of the eighth to give Boston the momentum and the victory.

The bullpen has dropped the ball once more, but they went through a similar stretch earlier in the season and they righted themselves and went back to their old ways. So the team need not worry, because the bullpen will look to rebound tomorrow and help to prevent a sweep at the hands of the Red Sox.

The Twins recent roll came to a somewhat abrupt end as they were unable to muster a victory against the Red Sox and fell 1-0 in a tight game. In a game starved for offense, good pitching was essential and the Sox got the better in that department.

The Twins struggled all night long to get any sort of offense as they could only get 6 hits off Boston pitchers. Twins starter Scott Baker turned in a very good start, shutting out the Sox for the 7 innings he pitched. But in the 8th, Brian Bass gave up a RBI single to Manny Ramirez to make it 1-0 Boston and that was all.

It was a tough loss to take for the Twins, as they had a few chances to put runs across but couldn’t capitalize on them. It could even be a victory that they were able to contain the high scoring Boston offense for so long. However, this is only the first game of the series and the Twins did very well against the Red Sox in their other series earlier in the season.

The Twins were primed for the sweep earlier today. However, they did struggle early against Tribe starter Cliff Lee, but put together one of their patented rallies to pull off a 4-3 victory.

Lee stymied the Twins’ hitters for most of the game, but the Twins prevailed in the 7th. A walk and three straight hits scored a run and loaded the bases. Denard Span drew a walk to bring in the tying run, then a Carlos Gomez groundout put the Twins ahead.

Starter Glen Perkins was somewhat uneven, but kept his team in the game. After allowing a run, he threw 3 scoreless frames before giving up a 2 run homer to Johnny Peralta in the 6th, lasting 7 innings.

Not only have the Twins been winning, but they’ve been able to come from behind a number of times. Even when the chips are down, the team battles back to get the victory. With today’s win, the Twins are now 19-4 since their 6 game losing streak in early June.

Just like has happened a number of times so far in the season, the Twins found themselves trailing early, but just like they’ve also done, they came back, this time for a 9-6 victory over the Indians.

The Twins found themselves in an early hole when the Indians put up 5 runs in the 2nd, but the team pulled to within 1, with help from a Craig Monroe 2 RBI double in the 1st, and a Denard Span RBI single and a Joe Mauer solo home run in the 4th. Then in the 6th, the Twins matched the Tribe’s 2nd inning by scoring 5 of their own, batting around and drawing 4 walks. Starter Kevin Slowey had that bad 2nd inning, surrendering those 5 runs, but he settled down and had a stretch of retiring 14 of 15 batters.

This is the best kind of win, coming back from a deficit and Slowey, even after that 2nd inning, was able to get back in a rthymn and not allow things to get away from him. The team took advantage of its chances and was able to get the runs they needed and much more. They go for the series sweep tomorrow.

What has started as an important stretch of games for the Twins has been going the way they want it to go. After getting the series win against the Tigers, the team kept rolling with an offensively explosive 12-3 win over the Indians.

Delmon Young led the offense, going 3 for 4, scoring 3 runs, and driving in 4. 3 of those RBIs came on a 3 run homer in the 3rd. Young wasn’t the only Twin to have a great day at the plate. Nick Punto drove in 4 runs, including a solo homer in the 1st, Justin Morneau had a pair of doubles and RBIs and Brian Buscher had an RBI double.

Livan Hernandez did not have a good outing at all the last time he faced Cleveland and got some measure of revenge this time. He gave up 3 runs and 5 hits over 6 innings for his 9th win of the season. The bullpen continued their solid play and stifled any chance of a comeback by the Indians.

The Twins keep rolling on towards the All Star break, but more importantly they are doing it against divisional opponents. Even if Cleveland isn’t immediately near them in the standings, it is important that they get these wins in order to create space in the AL Central and the confidence needed to continue their winning ways.

Though the Twins did beat Detroit last night, they had several chances to pad their lead, but did not take advantage of them. That was not the case today as they took advantage of their chances and shutout the Tigers 7-0. However, it was a defensive play that started it all.

With two Tigers on base and 2 outs in the 3rd, shortstop Nick Punto made a mind boggling grab of a ball behind 2nd base. Then from the ground he tried to flick it, which turned into it rolling, to Alexi Casilla, covering 2nd, who had to stretch out to scoop it up while keeping his foot on the bag. That play was the spark the Twins needed. They scored 5 runs in the bottom half of the inning, all of them with 2 outs. Joe Mauer started it with a 2 run single. The inning might have ended right after that, but Justin Morneau reached on an error. The Twins then rattled off 4 straight singles to score 3 runs and make it 5-0. They would tack on 2 more to make it 7 total.

Nick Blackburn was great. He threw 7 shutout innings, limiting the Tigers to just 3 hits, while fanning 4. He was able to throw his pitches effectively and keep the Tiger hitters off balance. The bullpen nailed down the win by finishing off the shutout.

Such a complete win over a divisional opponent is an immense confidence booster, especially given the Twins are in a stretch of tough games. Now they host Cleveland for 3 games, then embark on a road trip before the All Star Break that includes 3 in Boston and 4 in Detroit. This win will give them that much more of a boost heading into those games.

Tonight the Twins were looking to even up an important AL Central matchup against the Detroit Tigers. Craig Monroe was hoping to do well against his former team. Both succeeded, as the Twins won 6-4 to even the series.

Monroe got the offense started with a 3 run homer in the 4th to push the Twins ahead 3-1. He nearly hit another one later, but it went just foul. The team added 3 more runs an inning later on an RBI double by Alexi Casilla and a 2 run single by Mike Redmond to put the Twins ahead for good, 6-1.

Starter Scott Baker started off great, retiring 10 of the first 11 batters he faced. He left after going 6 innings with no walks and 5 Ks, and giving up 3 runs, including one on a wild pitch. The bullpen redeemed themselves from last night by holding down the lead to ensure the win.

Anytime a team wins against a divisional opponent it has to be good. Especially with the streaking Tigers climbing back towards the top of the AL Central and the Twins trying to keep pace with the division leading White Sox. The Twins will go for the series win tomorrow in hopes of putting even more space between them and Detroit.