Metrodome Memories

If the 1st 3 games of the 4 game series against the Athletics was any sort of pattern, then the Twins had to feel good about the finale earlier today. A close loss was followed by a rout and then another close loss. What happened in the finale? It was a another rout, as the Twins rode their offense to a 12-4 victory over Oakland.

The fatigue had to be setting in as the team gets farther and farther into their long road trip. However, it didn’t seem to affect the bats. Justin Morneau played a big part, starting the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. After Alexi Casilla had a 2 run homer in the 2nd, Morneau added a 3 run shot in the 6th. That homer put Morneau over the 500 RBI mark in his career. The Twins added 2 more runs in the inning and 4 more in the final 2 innings to ensure the win.

Starter Scott Baker had such a cushion he didn’t really need to be spectacular. However, he still turned in a solid start and the bullpen was able to shut down the As, expect for Eddie Guardado giving up 3 in the 8th.

The Twins are nearing the end of their very long road trip and they must be relieved. Even through all the ups and downs so far, they are still right up there with the White Sox for the AL Central and can’t afford to let up until the end of the season.

It was almost the same type of game as the one on Thursday for the Twins. They jumped out to a lead, but could not hold it and lost in the 9th, 3-2. However, the loss came from a very unexpected source.

The only runs of the game for the Twins came from a Denard Span 2 run homer in the 5th. Francisco Liriano turned in a great start, going 7 strong, giving up only 1 run and fanning 6. However, it was all decided in the 9th. With the lead, the Twins called on Joe Nathan. He wasn’t automatic like is expected to be, and his throwing error led to 2 runs scoring and the As winning.

It was a disappointing end to a game that the Twins were hoping could be a stepping stone to more success. Even more of a downer was Nathan’s blown save, especially since most of the time he can shut it down. The saving grace is that the White Sox also lost, so the Twins are still a half game behind them for the AL Central.

It might have been the frustration of losing last night or the team’s recent struggles or even that the bats all got hot at once. Whatever the cause was the Twins got a big 12-2 win over the Athletics.

The Twins got it started early, scoring 6 runs in the 2nd inning and never looking back. A majority of their offense came from the heart of their lineup. Joe Mauer had 5 hits and 4 RBIs, while Justin Morneau had 4 hits, including 2 doubles, and an RBI. Perhaps just as important was the performance of starter Kevin Slowey. He went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs, but got 10 strikeouts. He is continuing to be a great starter and someone the Twins will rely heavily on down the stretch.

It was a great offensive night and one that certainly has boosted the team’s spirits. Though they have struggled of late, the road trip is not over yet and they still have time to get some winning momentum going and carry themselves to the postseason.

The Twins were hoping to turn a corner after their less then stellar performances in the series against the Angels and Mariners. However, they could not prevent their struggles from continuing and lost to the Athletics 3-2.

It was a fairly tight game, as the lead changed a few times and the Twins kept it close. They got their runs on RBIs from Justin Morneau and Nick Punto, but could only muster 5 hits total. Starter Nick Blackburn turned in a solid outing, giving up 2 runs and 6 hits, but Craig Breslow got the loss as Oakland won it in the 9th.

This game was such a downer after it looked like the Twins had gotten back on the right track with their win last night. The team must still keep it in perspective. They are still very close to the top of the AL Central and must continue to play hard down the stretch.

Faced with a growing losing streak and also a sweep at the hands of the Seattle Mariners, the Twins fought back and were able to complete a comeback to get the 6-5 win earlier today.

It was a seesaw battle for most of the game as the Twins let 2 leads disappear. However, the Twins got a rally going in the 8th. 3 straight hits, followed by a pinch hit 2 run single from Brian Buscher put the team ahead by 2. The Mariners appeared to be coming back, scoring once in the bottom half of the inning, but catcher Mike Redmond made a great stop at home plate to save a run and perhaps the game. That was enough to get starter Glen Perkins, who has been great for the rotation, his 10th win in his last 11 starts.

This win is huge for the Twins as they continue on their long road trip. They got the win they’ve been seeking and the momentum needed to carry them further. Of course it wasn’t the way they would’ve liked to win, but they’ll take it and continue to battle for the AL Central.

The Twins were trying to stop their losing skid tonight against the Mariners and keep from falling farther back of the White Sox in the AL Central. They didn’t accomplish either of what they wanted to do tonight and lost to Seattle 3-2.

The team fell behind early but was able to mount a comeback in the 6th. Alexi Casilla scored when Justin Morneau hit into a double play and Randy Ruiz connected for a solo home run to tie it. However, their lead wouldn’t last for long. Scott Baker was not his usual solid self, giving up the 3 Seattle runs on 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings.

The Twins cannot afford to keep losing like this with the White Sox on a winning streak of their own. Though they are only 2 games back, given how tight the race has been so far, the gap can’t be allowed to widen. Tomorrow’s series finale is pretty much a must win for the team, as they must snap their losing streak.

The Twins were hoping to get back on the winning track tonight and it was a tense game in the early going with little offense, but the Twins let the lead slip away from them and eventually lost in extra innings to the Seattle Mariners 4-2.

The 2 runs the Twins were able to score were driven in by Alexi Casilla and Delmon Young. The latter had a good night, with 2 hits and a stolen base. However, not only did the team let the game slip away, the offense left 11 men on base and squandered a few chances with runners in scoring position.

Francisco Liriano continued to pitch well, going 6 strong innings, giving up only one run. With a 2-1 lead in the 9th, Joe Nathan came in to get the save. However, he wasn’t automatic like he usually is, and he gave up the run that pushed the game into extra innings. Jesse Crain gave up the decisive hit, a 2 run homer to Adrian Beltre in the 11th that won it for Seattle.

It was a game of missed opportunities for the Twins, as they had plenty of chances to put the game away, but couldn’t capitalize. With the end of the season so near and the team so close to the AL Central lead, the team can ill afford to let this losing streak go on any further.

After having won the 1st 2 game of their series against the Angels, the Twins were optimistic about their chances for the rest of the series. However, they lost last night and lost earlier today, 5-3, to get the series split.

Justin Morneau provided all the offense for the Twins as he drove in all 3 runs, including a solo shot, and reached the 100 RBI mark on the season. Starter Kevin Slowey started off great, going 5 scoreless innings before running into trouble into the 6th with a Mark Teixeira solo home run. A defensive mistake led to another run in the 7th. The Angels would score 3 runs in the 8th to take the lead and the win.

This was a missed opportunity for the Twins and a disappointing end to the series. The team had a chance to put away one of the best teams in baseball and prove they belonged in the postseason. However, there are still alot of games to be played and the Twins must forge ahead.

The Twins had a chance to extend their AL Central lead and wrap up a series victory over the Angels. However, some defensive mistakes were the team’s undoing and they lost 7-5.

The Twins were down early, but did not give up, getting 4 runs in the 5th inning, including a sac fly from Denard Span, a 2 RBI single from Joe Mauer, and a Justin Morneau RBI groundout. It was the defense that cost the Twins the game. In the 3rd, Brian Buscher made 2 errors to allow the Angels to jump out in front for good. That certainly didn’t help starter Nick Blackburn, who gave up a total of 6 runs, 3 of which were earned.

This was a missed opportunity for the Twins as they could’ve padded their divisional lead. However, the Twins should not be shaken too much by this loss. Their defense is too good for this to happen too much and should view the game as a small bump in the road. They still can capture the series victory with a win tomorrow.

The Twins’ game tonight wasn’t nearly as dramatic as their extra innings victory last night, but the team is still very happy with the result. They kept on rolling as they dominated the Angels in a 9-0 victory.

Delmon Young got the barrage started with a 2 run homer in the 4th. However, the biggest offensive contributor was Denard Span, who had 3 hits and 4 RBIs. His 3 run homer was part of a 5 run 6th that also included RBIs from Young and Adam Everett. Glen Perkins continued a recent trend of brilliant starting pitching by tossing 8 shutout innings while giving up just 5 hits.

The Twins continue to make a statement with this win over the Angels. They are beating perhaps one of the best teams in baseball and doing it in a very convincing fashion. If they can get at least one more win in this 4 game series, then that would be a huge boost to their moral and their postseason chances.

It was the 1st game in a long road trip for the Twins that would help determine if the team was going to the postseason. Well they got the 2-1 win over the Angels in dramatic fashion, getting the winning run in the 12th inning.

It was a pitcher’s duel for most of the game as neither team had much offense. The Twins finally broke through in the 5th, when Carlos Gomez had an RBI single. Then came the 12th inning. Nick Punto started it with a triple and then scored the eventual winning run on a Denard Span single. Starter Scott Baker gave up a 1st inning solo home run, but otherwise was stellar, shutting down the Angels offense in the rest of his 8 innings. He was helped by a strong bullpen.

This was a huge win against probably the best team in the AL as the Twins try to convince everyone that they are a legitimate postseason threat. A win to start off the road trip would have been great, but such a dramatic one in extra innings is even more of a boost. Now they will look for more victories against the Angels in the rest of the series.

The Twins were able to do what they do best in getting a 3-1 series victory over Oakland. They got timely hitting and a strong bullpen showing, things they will need to do more of in order to be AL Central champs.

Mike Redmond was the offensive leader for the team as he had a pair of RBI singles. However, Francisco Liriano had a somewhat difficult start, as he racked up the pitch count and only lasted 5 innings. He did give up 1 run, but it was unearned. The bullpen shut down the As to seal the victory. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the night was when Joe Nathan come in for the 9th, and tons of people in the Metrodome got up and left. Nathan finished the game as he always has for the Twins.

This was as important a win as any for the Twins as they now embark on a long 14 game road trip and it’s always better to head into any road trip with a victory. The trip will go a long way towards determining where the Twins will be in the standings at the end of the season.

Maybe it was to make up for last night. Maybe it was just a night for alot of offense. Whatever the reason, the Twins are back on the winning track tonight, as they got a 13-2 victory over Oakland.

It was a big offensive night, not just for the team, but for several players. Brian Buscher collected 5 RBIs, including a 2 run homer to start the scoring. Carlos Gomez broke out of a long slump by hitting a 2 run shot of his own. Randy Ruiz and Brendan Harris each had two RBIs, while Justin Morneau got 3 hits and an RBI while scoring 3 times.

Starter Kevin Slowey did not really need all that run support as he pitched a great game. He gave up only 1 earned run on 5 hits and didn’t allow a walk over 7 innings. He even got a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd as he exited. Brian Bass shut down the Athletics the rest of the way.

It’s always a big boost when a team has not only a great offensive game, but also gets a great outing from its starter. All cylinders were going for the Twins tonight. Particularly, Slowey followed Nick Blackburn and pitched deep into the game, giving the bullpen some rest. Such a dominating win is something that can only help the Twins as they continue with the rest of the season.

It was a reversal of fortunes earlier tonight as the Twins’ opponent jumped out to an early lead and the team itself had to play catch up. However, their comeback could not gain full steam and they fell just short in a 3-2 loss to Oakland.

The Twins’ offense was stymied for most of the game as they could not get any runs across. Down 3-0 in the 8th, they finally broke through. Joe Mauer hit an RBI triple and later scored on an error, but that was it for the comeback. Nick Blackburn turned in a solid outing, going 8 innings and giving up those 3 runs, but the offense couldn’t back him up and he ended up with the loss.

This is the kind of game that could have set up the comeback the Twins have pulled off numerous times this season. But alas, it was not to be and the team must regroup and try to win the series. Every game is important for the rest of the season as the Twins battle for the AL Central.

It wasn’t exactly a repeat of last night, but it came close as the Twins jumped out to a huge lead and then allowed the Mariners to score some runs. However, they held them off this time and got the series sweep in an 11-8 victory.

It was deja vu for the Twins as they jumped on the Mariners in the 1st, scoring 5 runs. The runs came via 2 run doubles by Jason Kubel and Randy Ruiz and an RBI single from Justin Morneau. The team also took advantage of Seattle reliever R.A. Dickey’s 4 wild pitches in the 5th inning. The team got all over the Mariner pitchers, with 6 Twins having multi-hit games.

For Glen Perkins, it was mirror image of Baker’s start last night. Perkins breezed through 5 innings, before getting into trouble in the 6th. He allowed 4 runs but was able to finish the inning. The offensive outburst by the hitters gave Perkins and the relievers the breathing room they needed to secure the win.

There is much to celebrate in this victory. The offense was alive all night and they took advantage of the situation when they could. Although, the pitchers probably don’t want to make a habit of giving up so many runs on a regular basis. With the White Sox winning as well, it’s going to be a tough and interesting rest of the season for the Twins.

Today’s game started off quite well for Twins, as they jumped out to an early lead. However, things then got very bad as they blew said lead and needed some 9th inning heroics to pull off the 7-6 victory over Seattle.

The Twins got on the board twice in the 1st, including a solo shot from Joe Mauer. In the 2nd, they stringed together 5 straight hits to get 3 runs and make it 5-0. But the Mariners stormed back in the 6th to take the lead. The Twins got a run in the 8th to tie it, before Brian Buscher hit a sac fly in the bottom of the 9th to win it in dramatic fashion.

Starter Scott Baker, like the team, started off great, going through 5 innings without a hitch. He didn’t make it out of the 6th, as he, Jesse Crain and Craig Breslow allowed the big 6 run 6th to the Mariners. Other then that inning, the pitching was solid.

There is no way the Twins can keep winning games like these, nor should they be blowing 5 run leads in the middle of a divisional race. Buscher’s sac fly did give the team the dramatic victory and is sure to energize them, but they’d like to not have to keep coming from behind alot better. Hopefully, the win can carry over into tomorrow as they go for the series sweep.

The Twins were handed some pretty bad losses by the Mariners recently and were looking to avenge them. Francisco Liriano is seeking to re-establish himself as a dominant starter following Tommy John surgery. The team got what it wanted and Liriano turned in a dominant outing as the Twins beat the Mariners 9-3 to open the series.

The Twins got on the board early, scoring twice in the 1st. In the 4th, Jason Kubel blasted a 2 run shot to break a 2-2 tie. However, the Twins weren’t done yet as they opened up the hit barrage to bring the inning run total to 7. Liriano was stellar, going 7 strong, while giving up only 2 hits. He did allow 2 runs, but they were unearned, due to a Brian Buscher error.

This is the kind of game the team needs to have more of down the stretch. They are in a heated battle with the White Sox for the AL Central that will likely go down to the wire. Even more encouraging is Liriano’s progress after spending time in the Minors. He will be one the Twins count on as they continue towards the postseason.

After such a close loss last night, the Twins were hoping to redeem themselves with a victory today and keep pace in the AL Central. Well they did just that, beating the Yankees 4-2.

Delmon Young hit that great home run last night against the seemingly unbeatable Mariano Rivera. He came through for the team again today as he belted another 3 run homer, this one coming in the 4th inning, that ended up giving the Twins the decisive runs. Another run was added in the 6th on a Brian Buscher sac fly.

Starter Kevin Slowey ran into some early trouble, giving up a run in the 1st inning, but otherwise didn’t give the Yankees much of anything over the rest of his start. The bullpen was able to keep the lead intact and seal the victory.

This series was huge for the Twins. They came close to making it a sweep but still came out with a series victory. Wins like these against contenders like the Yankees are big for the team’s confidence as they continue their march towards the postseason.

The Twins had set up a dramatic comeback by getting the runs they needed to send it into extra innings against the Yankees. However, they couldn’t get that final hit required last night to win and fell 9-6 in extra innings.

The team was able to put up 3 runs to get some offense going, but their highlight of the game was the 8th inning. With one out and 2 runners on, the Yankees brought in Mariano Rivera for the extended save. With Rivera being so automatic, it seemed like the game might be over. Not if Delmon Young had anything to say about it. He blasted a 3 run shot to tie the game at 6. That would send it in to extra innings, where the team couldn’t get the win.

Starter Nick Blackburn had a rough outing, giving up 4 runs in 4 2/3 innings. It was Matt Guerrier who got the loss when he gave up home runs to Xavier Nady and Alex Rodriquez in the 12th to give the Yankees the winning runs.

This was a very tough loss, especially given the dramatic comeback in the 8th. However, the Twins still have a chance to win the series and must stay together as they keep going neck and neck with the White Sox for the AL Central.

Needing a win to keep pace with the White Sox and hoping to get some revenge after getting swept by the Yankees earlier in the season, the Twins succeeded on both counts. They rode a great start by Glen Perkins to a 4-0 shutout of the Yankees.

Trying to best his 2 RBIs last night, Adam Everett blasted a 2 run shot in the 2nd to give the Twins the lead for good. The team got 2 more runs, including a Joe Mauer sac fly in the 6th.

The real story was Perkins. He has struggled against the Yankees, so one can bet he was looking to get even. He pitched 8 great innings, working out of some early jams, but staying in there and getting his pitches. Joe Nathan completed the victory over the Yankees by closing it out in the 9th.

The Twins made a statement with their win earlier tonight. After having been swept only recently by the Yankees, the team was looking to prove that they really belong in the postseason by beating a perennial contender. Now they hope to carry the momentum into the rest of the series.

With a chance to maintain and possibly extend their AL Central lead, the Twins fell short, losing to the Royals 5-4 in extra innings. Mistakes and some shaky relief pitching did the team in.

The Twins were able to put 4 runs on the board, thanks to 2 RBI singles by Adam Everett, with Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer also contributing RBIs of their own. However, they were unable to do anything to win it in extra innings. Starter Scott Baker pitched well, giving up 2 runs over 7 innings, but it was the bullpen that gave up the decisive runs.

The Twins are still right near the top of the AL Central and must keep up a high level of play in order to stay there. This is a team that is exceeding expectations and they must be careful not to get distracted and keep set on their goal.

With the team so close to the top of the AL Central, every game counts now and the Twins played like a postseason-caliber team tonight as they beat the Royals 7-3. They got the offense they needed and some strong pitching by Francisco Liriano to reclaim the AL Central title.

Delmon Young put Minnesota on the board with a 2 run blast in the 2nd inning, but was involved in some drama later on. In the 6th, Royals starter Zach Greinke beaned Young near the head with a pitch. It was tense while Young stared down Greinke and started towards the mound. The team used that as a springboard to score 5 more runs in the inning to put the game away.

Liriano, in his 2nd start back from Triple A, turned in a solid start. He went through 5 innings without a hitch, but gave up 2 runs in the 6th, before exiting after having thrown 5 2/3. For him, it was about pitching well and getting back to the Major League level.

The Twins are now where they want to be at the end of the season. They’re in 1st place in the AL Central. The team has been playing great in the last few games and they hope to keep the momentum going.

The Twins had a series to forget against the Seattle Mariners and after a day off were hoping to start anew. Well they certainly got on the right track, with a 4-1 win over the Royals in Kansas City.

The name of the game for the offense was the walk. Batters walked 8 times over the course of the game, but were unable to capitalize on most of them. Joe Mauer got the scoring started with an RBI single in the 3rd and the team would score twice more in the inning. Mauer would drive in another run in the 9th on a sac fly.

Kevin Slowey started off good, going scoreless through 5 innings, but allowed a run in the 6th before giving it over to the bullpen. Minnesota relievers struggled heavily in the 1st 2 games of the Seattle series, but bounced back tonight as they kept the team’s lead intact.

The big story from tonight’s game was definitely the bullpen getting back to what they do best; shutting down the opposition. They needed this performance in order to gain even more confidence back. The Seattle series was just a small bump in the road and the team is back on track for more winning.

The Twins were able to get a victory against the Seattle Mariners by winning 7-3 tonight. Most importantly, they were able to avoid being swept. The win has boosted confidence as the team continues its AL Central hunt.

Denard Span was the star of the night. He had a bases clearing triple in a 4 run Twins 2nd inning that put them ahead. However, it was his defense that really shone. In the 7th, he robbed Adrian Beltre of a go ahead home run and pretty much saved the game for the Twins. That helped spark more offense as Span would later add another RBI to help put away the game for his team.

Starter Nick Blackburn had a somewhat uneven outing. He had to pitch his way out of a few jams, and gave up 3 runs in 6 innings of work. The bullpen was able to hold down the lead, which was good for them given their performance in the series.

The win sends the team into their off day with renewed confidence that they had lost in the 1st 2 games of the series. They had struggled in many ways, but were able to be the team they want to be during this win. Now they can look forward with optimism as they continue to battle the White Sox for the AL Central.

Needing a win to keep pace with the White Sox in the divisional race, the Twins could not accomplish that. A late comeback fell short and the team lost to the Mariners 8-7. The loss and the White Sox’s win dropped the Twins into 2nd place.

The offensive leader for the Twins was clearly Jason Kubel who had a pair of homers, a solo shot and a 2 run blast. Mike Lamb was able to drive in 2 with a double, part of a 4 run 8th inning that put the team ahead. However, the team was unable to capitalize further.

Starter Scott Baker had a rough outing. He gave up 6 runs and 9 hits and lasted only 5 1/3 innings. But the story with the pitching was the bullpen’s continued struggles on the road. Matt Guerrier struggled in the 8th and it got so bad that closer Joe Nathan was brought in during the inning. Seattle was able to take advantage and pull ahead for good.

A loss in the series finale and a sweep by one of the worst teams in the league would be devastating to the Twins. When they’re neck-and-neck with the White Sox, every game counts and they cannot afford to drop more games like this one. They can only hope they salvage the series by winning in its finale.