Joe Mauer and Delmon Young led the way for the Twins as they finished the series strong with a 6-5 win over the Yankees. The team fell behind a few times, but was able to stage several comebacks and then finally triumph late.
Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young tag teamed the Yankees pitchers, with Young hitting three doubles, each time driving in Cuddyer, including the eventual winning run in the 8th. It was a breakout game for Young, who has struggled so far this season. The home crowd was thrilled when local boy Joe Mauer hit his 1st home run of the season, a solo shot in the 7th to tie the game. The Twins’ speedsters showed off their wheels when Alexi Casilla reached on a bunt single that scored Carlos Gomez in the 3rd.
Livan Hernandez struggled again, giving up 5 runs on 13 hits in 6 innings of work, including giving up a 2 run home run to Alex Rodriquez in the top of the 1st. Hernandez’s difficulties seemed to melt into the background, given the offensive contributions of Young and Mauer. Matt Guerrier pitched 1 2/3 of scoreless ball for the win and Joe Nathan got back on the save track with his 15th of the season.
This will most likely be a game Young remembers for the rest of the season. It could be the game that starts a tear where he shows off his offensive promise. Just as important, the Twins fell behind a number of times during the game. However, unlike past games where they were not able to muster a comeback, they kept scoring to pull themselves back into the game and eventually got the win.
