Twins starter Boof Bonser struggled early and often in a 9-1 rout by the Angels. The good vibes from the Opening Day win were erased in the top of the first as the Halos put two across. The spotlight swung to them as several Angels had good games including starter Jon Garland who went eight strong.
There was not much offense to note, except that every regular, except for Justin Morneau and Brendan Harris got a hit, with Delmong Young getting two. The Twins lone run came in the 5th, when Young doubled and was latter knocked in by defensive specialist Adam Everett. Everett driving in a run is sight that probably won’t happen all that often during the season.
The pitching took center stage in the worst way tonight. Bonser, who shed alot of weight but not his facial hair, gave up 4 runs, 3 earned on 8 hits and no walks while striking out 4 and giving up one homer, to Angel catcher Mike Napoli. The bullpen didn’t help matters either. Jesse Crain didn’t last an inning, while Dennys Reyes didn’t even last an out. Brian Bass and Juan Rincon each lasted longer but gave up two runs apiece.
The first two games might be a microcosm for the rest of the season. There will be days like Opening Day, where everything seems to be clicking just right and then there will be days like tonight, where things just go wrong. They are only halfway through their series with the Angels, with two more games left to play. Nick Blackburn will have the ball for the Twins tomorrow as he tries to prove he really earned that rotation spot.
