After exploding yesterday for 12 runs, the Twins could not score any today and also could not stop them from being scored as they lost 10-0. Either it was just one of those days where things don’t seem to work out or the Twins are becoming dangerously inconsistent at the plate.
The Twins only got 7 hits and the only extra base one was a double by Matt Tolbert. Big hitters Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel were held hitless. In what is becoming an increasing problem that must be fixed somehow, the team left 7 runners on base, of which there were 3 instances where runners were in scoring position with two outs. The Twins are showing signs of choking when they need that big hit.
Livan Hernandez, he of the solid start to the season, showed it could not last as he only pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up 7 runs on 9 hits and 2 home runs. Reliever Brian Bass did perhaps better, but gave up 2 runs and even Joe Nathan looked a little shaky, giving up a home run.
Just when it looked like the Twins might put together a winning stretch, they came tumbling down to the bottom. Their number one priority from now on is working on consistently hitting and scoring runs. If they can do that, then it can make up for the little imperfections like shaky pitching or forgo the need to score a large number of runs in a small space of time. This team isn’t one to bash opponents into submission with high scoring, but they still need to produce enough to make up for what will be an erratic rotation.
