Hat tricks in hockey are a great offensive accomplishment, but hat tricks of sweeps in baseball are even better. That’s exactly what the Twins did earlier today, as they beat the Padres 4-3, to sweep them and get their 3rd sweep in a row, extending their winning streak to 9.
Faced with another early deficit, the Twins did not falter, charging back to take the lead. Justin Morneau hit a 2 run homer in the 4th and he would add an RBI single in the 5th. More importantly he scored starter Scott Baker, who got his 1st career hit. Brian Buscher’s bloop hit in the 6th scored Jason Kubel and the Twins took the lead for good.
Baker had struggled early, giving up 3 runs to the Padres in the 1st 3 innings he pitched, but he settled down, and more then likely gained confidence from his own hit. He was helped by some stellar defense. In the 6th, with the tying run on 3rd, Buscher made a great grab and across-the-body throw home to prevent a run from scoring. The bullpen put the clamps on the Padres, including Joe Nathan’s 21st save of the season.
The Twins have been playing so good lately, it almost seems automatic. Every component of their game is in perfect working order and they are getting production from many different players. Their dominance has them on the verge of taking over the AL Central division lead. Now they will try to best their last great winning streak, which was 11 games back in 2006.
