The season came down to today. Although it was possible another loss would still keep in them in the divisional race, the Twins wanted a win to end the regular season. They came through in convincing fashion, shutting out the Royals 6-0.
Unlike like last night, where the Twins scored their runs early, tonight they got most of their offense in the later innings. They got 2 runs in the early innings, but pulled away late. 2 runs came in the 7th on a bases loaded double by Delmon Young and 2 more in the 8th on a triple from Joe Mauer.
The offense did what they had to do, but starter Scott Baker was even better. He was dominant in a high pressure situation, allowing only 4 hits and fanning 9 over 7 shutout innings. It was exactly the kind of start the Twins needed for this game and Baker delivered.
The regular season is over for the Twins and they are still a half game ahead of the White Sox, who also won today. Now comes the interesting part. The White Sox have a makeup game against Detroit tomorrow. If they lose, the Twins win the AL Central. However, if they win, that forces a one game playoff between them and the Twins in Chicago on Tuesday to determine who goes to the postseason. The Twins have done their part, now they can only wait on the outcome of tomorrow’s game.
