The Twins blew a 3 run lead over the Royals in the 9th, but still won 4-3 in 12 innings. A spectacular outing by Nick Blackburn was spoiled by Joe Nathan of all people. The Twins had jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Nathan blew the save in the 9th, however, they kept going at it until they broke through in the 12th thanks to Michael Cuddyer.
The Twins got to Royals starter Brian Bannister early, tagging him for 2 runs in the 4th and 1 in the 5th. Cuddyer had an RBI single in the 4th, which was followed by Jason Kubel’s RBI groundout. Alexi Casilla added an RBI single the next inning. The real action was reserved for the 12th. After Joe Mauer walked and Justin Morneau hit a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one out. Cuddyer then came through with the winning single to score Mauer.
Nick Blackburn turned in a great outing and could have gone the distance had he not ran into some trouble in the 9th. He left that inning with one out and having put runners on 1st and 2nd. Joe Nathan was brought in to nail down the save. The very first batter, Mark Teahen hit an inside the park home run to tie it all up. Instead of sealing the deal like he had done all season, he got his 1st blown save of the 2008 campaign.
Although Blackburn didn’t get the win, this start has to be very encouraging for him. He was able to keep the Royals hitters from getting anything going. With Blackburn, Perkins and Hernandez turning in good starts lately, the rotation is starting to gain some consistency. Though Nathan got his 1st blown save of the season, he is one of the best closers in the game and has the talent and drive to not let this affect him and go out and get that next save.
