The Twins’ bullpen, which hasn’t performed very well recently, put in strong innings after starter Nick Blackburn was knocked down by a line drive, and held on to a 5-1 Twins victory.
Michael Cuddyer was the main offensive catalyst, knocking in 2 in the 1st with a single and one in the 7th with a triple. Justin Morneau had an interesting hit in the 6th. After coming up with what appeared to be a triple, he scored on an error by Yankee Melky Cabrera. Mike Lamb would put across another run with a sac fly in the 4th.
Blackburn started out great, pretty much breezing through the first 4 innings, but the 5th wouldn’t be so kind. After giving up a solo shot to Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu lined a pitch that hit Blackburn’s glove and smacked him in his nose. X-rays would later show no breaks, and he is listed as day-to-day. After the shocker, Brian Bass, Jesse Crain and Joe Nathan combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings, even more impressive given it was against the high powered Yankee lineup.
Blackburn’s injury was certainly a scare, but it appears to be nothing too serious and he himself expects to be ready for his next start. The fact that the bullpen was able to come in and shutdown the Yankees after not faring so good in the series so far is a huge morale boost and perhaps Blackburn getting hit was the source of their motivation as they sought to finish what their teammate started.
