What looked like a continuation of a recent trend for the Twins was reversed in grand fashion. Trailing late, the team pulled off a 9th inning comeback to capture the opening game of their series against the Rays, 11-8.
The Twins got out of the gate fast, with Jason Kubel blasting a 3 run shot in the 1st, however they would give the lead right back. Adding a run in the 3rd and 2 in the 7th they trailed before the pivotal 9th inning. With the team behind 8-6, Alexi Casilla got the rally started with a 2 run homer to tie it. Adam Everett then got an RBI double to put the Twins on top and they would score more to make it 5 runs total in the inning.
The Twins scored all that offense despite no help from the pitchers. Starter Glen Perkins didn’t even make it out of the 1st inning, giving up 5 runs, though only 2 were earned. Phil Humber threw 5 1/3 innings in relief giving up 2 runs. The pitchers continued to have problems keeping the ball in the park, this time giving up 5 home runs, including 3 to Tampa Bay rookie Evan Longoria.
The Twins really needed this win to set the tone for the rest of the series. A loss would’ve meant a really tough hill to climb. Now they can head into the rest of the series having regained some of the confidence they lost after their recent skid.
