Metrodome Memories

The Twins were once again clutch when it was needed as they won the series finale with Cleveland 2-1. It was a game of continuing trends as Carlos Gomez continued his heroics in center field, Justin Morneau kept hitting and the Twins kept getting those clutch hits. The defense turned a double play, not as many as yesterday’s 4, but the team still leads all of baseball in that category.

Morneau’s hit was clutch but other Twins paved the way offensively. Brendan Harris had the biggest output, going 3 for 5. His solo home run in the third tied the game at 1 and he scored the winning run in the 10th, when Morneau knocked him in with an RBI single. Jason Kubel and Nick Punto each had 2 hit games. Another story was Brian Buscher, who was called up from Triple-A Rochester yesterday and started at third today, getting a double.

Another good story in a game full of them is starter Scott Baker’s performance. He dealt with some troubles in Spring Training, but they weren’t evident in his outing, he threw 7 innings of 1 run ball, giving up 5 hits, walking 1 and fanning 8. Dennys Reyes, Pat Neshek and Matt Guerrier each pitched scoreless innings in relief. The bullpen has bounced back from its troubles in Detroit to provide solid pitching late in games.

The biggest moments came late when Gomez made a game-saving catch in the 9th and Morneau brought home Harris in the 10th. In addition both RBIs, Morneau’s game-winning single and Harris’ homer, came with two outs. Most of their runs the past few series have come with two outs, so the Twins are developing a needed habit of coming through when it’s really needed.

The team has a day off before it heads out on a short road trip to the West. The trip opens up with three in Oakland and then ends with three against Texas.