After a stretch of games where the Twins didn’t play to the level they wanted to, the series finale was important as a turning point heading into the final week of the season. The team stepped up and delivered a 4-1 victory over the Rays to keep pace in the AL Central.
Falling behind early, the Twins weren’t disheartened as they charged back in the 4th, scoring all 4 of their runs. They came on an RBI single from Mike Redmond, an RBI bunt single by Carlos Gomez and 2 runs scored on an error by Evan Longoria of the Rays.
Perhaps just as encouraging as the offense was the start put in by Francisco Liriano. His last start was less then stellar but he bounced back tonight, going 7 strong, giving up only 1 run and 5 hits. The starters have been struggling mightily lately and this kind of start by Liriano can only bolster their confidence.
The Twins needed this win not only to keep pace with the White Sox but to restore the confidence they seemed to have lost over the course of their recent slump. Heading into a season-deciding series with the White Sox, the Twins need all their wits about them if they want to capture the AL Central.
