The Twins’ entire season came down to one game tonight. It was either win or go home. It has been a long and exciting run for the Twins and they were looking to extend it. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to muster anything and the Twins lost to the White Sox 1-0 to end their season.
White Sox starter John Danks shut down the Twins’ offense, giving up only 2 hits over his 8 innings. The Twins’ best chance to score came in the 5th, when Michael Cuddyer doubled, but was later tagged out at home. Otherwise, that was all the team could get. Needing a strong start from Nick Blackburn, the Twins got one, as he went 6 1/3, allowing only 1 run, but that one run being the decisive one.
As much of a letdown as it was losing out on a chance for the AL Central title and the postseason, the Twins must keep things in perspective. This was a season in which many thought the team wouldn’t do well. Predictions abounded of a finish near the cellar of the division. However, the team got strong performances from two of their key players, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. One of the main reasons the Twins were able to enjoy this success was the emergence of their young guys. Carlos Gomez, Alexi Casilla, Denard Span, Brian Buscher, and others played vital roles as they helped put the team in a position to win the division. The youth was also evident in the rotation, as a cast of young starters pitched very well over the course of the season and the bullpen continued to be a strength. With so many breakthroughs from their younger players, it would seem the Twins are set to compete for a long time.
