The Twins jumped on Texas starter Kevin Millwood early, but the pitching was not able to hold that lead and fell to the Rangers 6-5 in 10 innings.
Justin Morneau was the offensive star, driving in all 5 of Minnesota’s runs, including an RBI single in the top of the 1st. But that was nothing compared to his 3 run homer in the third. It was a night to remember as every hit he had produced a run. Carlos Gomez and Joe Mauer had 2 hit games, with Gomez scoring 2 runs and Mauer getting a double. Michael Cuddyer, in his return from the DL, went 1 for 5.
Nick Blackburn, who had an amazing outing last time, struggled mightily, however he was able to last 6 innings, something that was needed after the bullpen pitched alot yesterday in relief of Francisco Liriano. After being given a 5 run lead in the third, Blackburn blew that lead and allowed 5 runs, on 11 hits and a walk, to the Rangers to tie it all up. The bullpen was able to hold the lead until Juan Rincon gave up the game winning run in the 10th inning.
Though it was a tough loss to take, there were several positives to take away. Morneau continues to establish himself as one of the better hitters in the league that no one really notices and the defense turned 3 double plays to add to its Major League leading total. They included a nifty one in the bottom of the 3rd. Cuddyer threw a relay to shortstop Nick Punto, who threw to Mauer to tag out Hank Blalock trying to score, then Mauer threw to third baseman Mike Lamb to tag out Jason Botts, who was trying to stretch a double into a triple.
There were also some negatives including committing 2 errors and continuing to have problems driving in runners in critical spots.
Overall, the Twins know they have things to work on and things they can fall back on as strengths and will continue to ride those to victories.
