2009 Minnesota Twins

Records vs. Other Teams (italics are teams against which the Twins have finished the season series):

AL East (overall: 10-22)

NY Yankees: 0-7, Playoffs: 0-3

Boston: 2-4

Toronto: 3-5

Tampa Bay: 3-3

Baltimore: 2-3

AL Central (overall: 46-27)

Detroit: 12-7

Chicago: 12-6

Kansas City: 12-6

Cleveland: 10-8

AL West (overall: 19-21)

Texas: 6-4

LA Angels: 4-6

Seattle: 5-5

Oakland: 4-6

NL Central (overall: 12-6)

Milwaukee: 5-1

Chicago Cubs: 2-1

Pittsburgh: 2-1

Houston: 1-2

St. Louis: 2-1

Total Record: 87-76

April 6^th: Mariners 6, Twins 1

The 2009 season didn’t start as the Twins imagined.  Francisco Liriano pitched a solid 7 innings but was done in by the long ball (2 homers), allowing a total of 4 runs on 4 hits.  Michael Cuddyer had the Twins lone RBI with a single in the 5^th, but Justin Morneau grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to end that inning, and the Twins never threatened again. The Twins look for their first win of ’09 behind the right arm of Nick Blackburn.

Record: 0-1

April 7^th: Twins 6, Mariners 5

And in dramatic fashion, the Twins erased their previous 17 innings of futility. Down 5-3 with 2 outs and nobody on in the bottom of the 9th inning, the Twins mounted an improbable rally to defeat the Mariners 6-5 to even the series at a game apiece. Nick Blackburn got the start but struggled, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and an uncharacteristic 3 walks in just 5 innings of pitching. The Twins rallied to within 4-3 in the 5th with an RBI double from Denard Span and a 2-run single from Michael Cuddyer, but appeared to have the wind taken out of their sails a bit after the Mariners added an insurance run in the 9th for a 5-3 lead. After the first two batters of the 9th went down easily, the comeback began. Carlos Gomez drew a walk, as did pinch hitter Jason Kubel. Following a 3rd consecutive walk to Brian Buscher, M's closer Brandon Morrow was replaced with former closer Miguel Batista. But the Twins were not to be denied. Denard Span's6infield hit drew the Twins within 5-4, and Alexi Casilla drilled the first pitch offered to center for a game-winning 2-run single, and the comeback was complete. In game 3 of the series, Kevin Slowey makes his 2009 debut.

Record: 1-1

April 8^th: Twins 6, Mariners 5

Not quite as dramatic as Tuesday night, but a win is a win.  Justin Morneau and Denard Span each hit 2-run homers to back Kevin Slowey as the Twins defeated the Mariners by the same score as the previous night, 6-5.  Slowey got the start in game 3 of the series and went 6 innings, allowing 5 runs on 9 hits with 5 strikeouts, but got just enough run support to pick up his first win of ’09.  After falling behind 5-4, the Twins got 2-out RBI doubles from Morneau and Jason Kubel to take a 6-5 lead in the 5^th.  Craig Breslow and Jesse Crain pitched shutout 7^th and 8^th innings to get the ball to Joe Nathan, who shut the door for his 1^st save of the year.  The Twins and M’s wrap up the series Thursday afternoon, with the Twins handing the ball to Glen Perkins.

Record: 2-1

April 9^th: Mariners 2, Twins 0

Glen Perkins’ solid 8 innings weren’t enough as the Twins split their 4-game series with the Mariners, losing the finale 2-0.  Perkins allowed only 5 hits and a single run with 4 K’s, but was not helped but the lackluster Twins offensive attack, completely shut down by Jarrod Washburn.  The Twins got 2 on with 1 out in the 8^th, but Washburn pitched out of the jam.  The Twins take to the road for a brief 3-game trip to the south side of Chicago for a showdown with the White Sox.  Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey takes the mound for Minnesota, making a spot start for the recovering Scott Baker.

Record: 2-2

April 10^th: Twins 12, White Sox 5

The Twins’ offense bounced back from being shut out the previous day with a 12-run explosion, highlighted by a 7-run 7^th, in routing the White Sox 12-5 in the first game of the series.  Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey got a spot start for the recovering Scott Baker and pitched effectively, limiting the Sox to 3 runs on 4 hits over 5 innings in picking up his first win of ’09.  Joe Crede greeted his former team with a solo home run in his first at-bat, and Justin Morneau had a 2-5 day with his 2^nd home run of the year and 4 RBI.  Backup catcher Jose Morales picked up his first hit of the year with a double, and Alexi Casilla tripled and scored the go-ahead run in the 5^th.  The Twins got 3 walks, 5 singles, and a home run in the big 7^th, turning a close game into a laugher.  Game 2 of the series will feature Francisco Liriano, looking for an improvement over his opening day start.

Record: 3-2

April 11^th: White Sox 8, Twins 0

And the offensive inconsistency continues.  Bartolo Colon shut down the Twins offense over 6 innings, and Francisco Liriano got pounded to drop to 0-2 as the Twins fell 8-0 in the second game of the series. Liriano didn’t make it out of the 5^th and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits with 4 walks, 2 of them coming with the bases loaded as the White Sox blew the game open.  The rubber game of the series takes place Sunday, with the Twins sending Nick Blackburn to the hill.

Record: 3-3

April 12^th: White Sox 6, Twins 1

The Twins’ bats, much like the weather in Chicago, stayed cold on Sunday, as the Twins lost the game 6-1 and the series to the White Sox.  Delmon Young was the only offense for the Twins, hitting his first home run of the season.  Nick Blackburn pitched well until the 6^th, when eternal Twins killer Jim Thome hit a go-ahead 2-run homer to put the Sox ahead for good.  In total, Blackburn allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits in 6+ innings.  The Twins also committed an uncharacteristic 3 errors, with Michael Cuddyer committing 2 on a single play while playing out of position at 1^st base with Justin Morneau getting a DH day.  Overall, the first week was a below average one for Minnesota, but with the team returning home for a 7-game homestand, as well as Scott Baker’s projected first start on Wednesday, the immediate future looks better.  The Twins send Kevin Slowey to the mound Monday evening as they welcome Toronto into town for the start of a 4-game series.

Record: 3-4

April 13^th: Blue Jays 8, Twins 6

Blue Jays vs. Twins: an utter mismatch.  The torrid Jays continued their hot-hitting ways, rallying from a 6-3 deficit and racking up 19 hits on their way to a 8-6 victory over Minnesota in the opening game of the series, their 10 consecutive win over the Twins.  Kevin Slowey got the start for the Twins but clearly never had his stuff, not making it out of the 6^th inning and allowing 13 hits and 5 runs.  In spite of Toronto’s hit parade, Jason Kubel hit his 1^st home run of the year, Nick Punto drove home 2 with a single, and Brian Buscher brought home another with a triple as the Twins led 6-3 going into the 6^th.  But the bullpen could not hold the lead, as Luis Ayala gave up the tying and go-ahead runs in the 7^th and 8^th innings.  The Twins look to snap their long losing streak to Toronto on Tuesday afternoon behind the left arm of Glen Perkins.

Record: 3-5

April 14^th: Twins 3, Blue Jays 2, in 11 innings

In a battle of young lefties, the Twins got off the schnide against the Blue Jays, finally defeating Toronto 3-2 in 11 innings, as Glen Perkins’ team got the better of Ricky Romero’s.  Perkins got through 8 strong innings for the 2^nd time already this season, but was unable to get the victory as the tying run scored off him with 2 outs in the 8^th.  Perkins allowed 2 runs on 7 hits overall, with 4 strikeouts.  Justin Morneau’s ground-rule double drove in Denard Span with the tying run in the 4^th, and Mike Redmond drove in Joe Crede with the go-ahead single in the 5^th, as the Twins went ahead 2-1.  But the game went to extras, and it was a battle of the bullpens.  Joe Nathan and Jesse Crain combined for 3 perfect innings, and Morneau scored with 2 outs in the 11^th on a double to the gap by Crede.  The Twins look to maintain the momentum on Wednesday night, and welcome back Scott Baker for his first start of ’09.

Record: 4-5

April 15^th: Blue Jays 12, Twins 2

Scott Baker’s return to the rotation was an unwelcome one: 6 runs, 4 home runs, in just 4 innings, as the Twins were routed by Toronto 12-2 in the 3^rd game of the series.  The Twins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI groundout by Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer scoring on a passed ball, but that was it for the offense.  All 4 Twins pitchers allowed runs, as the Jays scored in 6 of the 9 innings.  The Twins seek a split in the Thursday finale, and send struggling ace Francisco Liriano to the hill to do it.

Record: 4-6

April 16^th: Blue Jays 9, Twins 2

The Twins are certain of one thing: that the Blue Jays leaving town is a great thing.  Roy Halladay improved to 8-0 all-time against the Twins, with the aid of a 7-run 7^th inning, as the Blue Jays routed the Twins for the 2^nd consecutive day, by a final of 9-2.  Francisco Liriano started and kept Minnesota in the game during his 6 innings of work, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits, with only 1 walk and 5 strikeouts.  But the bullpen completely unraveled in the 7^th.  Totals in the inning: 12 Blues Jays came to the plate, 6 hits, 2 walks, 2 wild pitches (on consecutive pitches, by Craig Breslow), and 2 home runs, including a grand slam.  Michael Cuddyer hit his 1st home run of the year, and Delmon Young drove in the other Twins run with a FC groundout, the only offense the Twins could muster against Halladay and the Jays, who took 3 of 4 from Minnesota in the Metrodome.  The Twins remain home for the weekend and welcome ex-Twin Torii Hunter and the Angels into town for a 3-game series.  Nick Blackburn is on the bump for the opening game of the series.

Record: 4-7

April 17^th: Twins 11, Angels 9

“Never leave early.  Because you never know what might happen.”  Ex-Twin great Gary Gaetti said this, and there was no greater example of this than on the night April 17^th, 2009, in the Metrodome.  Down 5 runs entering the 8^th inning, the Twins put together 4 hits and 3 walks, including Jason Kubel’s cycle-completing go-ahead grand slam, in the Twins dramatic comeback 11-9 win over the Angels in the opening game of the series.  Nick Blackburn started for the Twins and pitched moderately well, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 1/3 innings.  The Angels rallied from a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead in the 5^th, and then pulled away in the 7^th against a reeling Twins bullpen.  The Angels got 3 consecutive 2-out running scoring singles in the inning, taking an 8-3 lead.  But their 9-4 lead would not hold up, as Kubel led the Twins’ improbable rally.  Mike Redmond drove singled home a run, Denard Span drove in 2 with a double, and Kubel drove the 2^nd pitch he saw from Jason Bulger well over the right field fence to cap not only the Twins comeback, but his cycle as well.  Kubel doubled in the 1^st, singled in the 3^rd, and tripled in the 6^th.  The Twins look to maintain their momentum in the 2^nd game of the series, and send Kevin Slowey to the mound to keep it.

Record: 5-7

April 18^th: Twins 9, Angels 2

Kevin Slowey pitched 7 solid innings and Jason Kubel continued his hot-hitting ways with his second consecutive 4-hit night as the Twins routed the Angels 9-2 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Slowey allowed only 2 runs on 6 hits and 5 strikeouts, allowing only ex-Twin Torii Hunter’s 2-run homer over his 7 innings.  The Twins put together a 5-run 5^th inning, with 3 hits, 4 walks, and 2 wild pitches.  In total, Kubel went 4-5 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored, and Delmon Young contributed 2 hits and 3 RBI as well.  The Twins look for the sweep on Sunday afternoon, and turn to Glen Perkins to get it.

Record: 6-7

April 19^th: Twins 3, Angels 1

Glen Perkins was every bit as sharp on Sunday as he had been in his first 2 starts, throwing 8 innings and allowing a meager 1 run on 4 hits with 4 strikeouts in the Twins’ 3-1 win, completing the sweep against the Angels.  Jose Morales singled home Delmon Young in the 2^nd to tie the score at 1-1, then doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the 5^th.  And the offense put together 3 singles to add some insurance in the 7^th.  Joe Nathan finished for his 3^rd save in as many chances, with 2 strikeouts.  After a much-deserved off-day on Monday, the Twins head to Fenway Park for a brief 2-game series with the Red Sox.  Scott Baker looks to rebound from last week’s poor start in the Tuesday opener.

Record: 7-7

 April 22^nd, Game 1: Red Sox 10, Twins 1 in 7 innings

In a game mercifully ended early by rain, the Red Sox his 2-run home runs in the first 3 innings, jumping all over Scott Baker in a 10-1 rout of the Twins.  Baker’s command and location issues continued, as he didn’t make it out of the 5^th inning and allowed 6 runs on 10 hits.  Justin Morneau drove in the only Twins run with a bases-loaded single in the 5^th, as both Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer popped out to stop any rally.

Record: 7-8

April 22^nd, Game 2: Red Sox 7, Twins 3

The second game of the doubleheader just was not any better than the first.  After a 1-2-3 first inning, Francisco Liriano gave up 5 runs in the next 2 innings, and the Twins couldn’t mount enough offense to rally back as they fell 7-3 and were swept in the brief 2-game series against the Red Sox.  Liriano lost his 4^th consecutive start to begin the season, allowing 7 runs on a mere 4 hits, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts.  Justin Morneau doubled and hit his 4^th home run of the season, and Michael Cuddyer drove in the other run for the Twins, who outhit the Red Sox 6-5.  After an off-day Thursday, the Twins seek to improve on a meager 1-4 home record in Cleveland in a 3-game series beginning Friday night.  Nick Blackburn starts the opener.

Record: 7-9

April 24^th: Twins 5, Indians 1

Justin Morneau homered and drove in 2 runs to back a strong effort from Nick Blackburn as the Twins knocked off the Indians 5-1 to open the 3-game series.  Blackburn lasted 7 innings and scatted 6 hits and 1 run in picking up his 1^st win of ’09.  Morneau’s homer was his 4^th of the year, and his 2 RBI ties him for the team lead of 13 with Jason Kubel, who also drove in a run in the game.  Jose Morales and Joe Crede drove in the other 2 Twins runs, as Minnesota didn’t trail in a game for the first time this season.  Jose Mijares and Joe Nathan closed out the victory with scoreless 8^th and 9^th innings.  The Twins look for back-to-back road wins in game 2 of the series Saturday, sending Kevin Slowey to the mound to do it.

Record: 8-9

April 25^th: Twins 7, Indians 1

Jason Kubel homered twice, including going back-to-back with Joe Crede in the 9^th, to back Kevin Slowey as the Twins shut down Cleveland 7-1 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Slowey pitched 8+ innings, allowing only 1 run on 8 hits, walking 0 and striking out 7 to improve to 3-0 on the season.  Kubel and Delmon Young had 3 hits apiece, and Crede, Justin Morneau, and Michael Cuddyer each had 2 more in the rout.  The Twins look for the sweep Sunday afternoon behind the red-hot Glen Perkins.

Record: 9-9

April 26^th: Indians 4, Twins 2

Glen Perkins proved he was mortal in his first start away from the Metrodome this season, and the Twins’ offense did little to support him, as the Twins fell in Cleveland 4-2 in the finale of the 3-game series as the Tribe avoided the sweep.  Perkins lasted just 5 innings – the first time he failed to last 8 innings this season – allowing 4 runs on 7 hits.  The offense had its chances: in the 7^th inning, the team scored a pair of runs and had the bases loaded with 1 out.  But Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel struck out to end the threat, and the offense couldn’t do much against Indians starter Aaron Laffey all day long.  The Twins now return home to open a 6-game homestand beginning Monday night against the Rays.  Scott Baker looks to right his difficult start to ’09 in the opener.

Record: 9-10

April 27^th: Rays 7, Twins 1

The Twins seemed to hit the ball hard at times – but right at the Rays defenders.  Scott Baker made some strides but overall his struggles continued, as the Rays capitalized when runners were in scoring position as the Rays took game 1 of the series by a final of 7-1.  Baker was able to get through 6 innings, his longest start of the year, and didn’t allow a homer for the first time this season.  He did allow 4 runs on 6 hits, as the Rays had hits in 5 of their 7 at-bats with runners in scoring position.  The Twins went 0-for-9 in that same category, the obvious difference in the game.  Joe Crede’s solo homer in the 6^th was the Twins’ lone run in the game.  The Twins look to even the series in game 2, sending the struggling Francisco Liriano to the mound to try to right his – and the Twins’ – ship.

Record: 9-11

April 28^th: Twins 4, Rays 3

The Twins overcame Joe Nathan’s first blown save of the season, pulling out a 4-3 win in the bottom of the 9^th as Justin Morneau beat out the relay throw to first on a possible inning-ending double play with the bases loaded to defeat the Rays.  Francisco Liriano pitched very effectively, limiting the Rays to 2 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings.  Morneau got the Twins off and running in the 1^st inning against James Shields with a 2-run homer just over the wall – and the glove of Carl Crawford – for an early 2-0 lead.  After the Rays tied it in the 6^th, the Twins retook the lead right back as Brian Buscher was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for a 3-2 lead.  Nathan’s first pitch of the 9^th inning was hit over the baggie in right by Rays pinch hitter Ben Zobrist, tying the game at 3 and preventing Liriano from earning is much-deserved first win.  But Jose Morales led off the bottom half of the 9^th with a single, advanced to second on Nick Punto’s sacrifice bunt, and to 3^rd on Denard Span’s infield hit.  After Span stole 2^nd and pinch hitter Brendan Harris walked to load the bases, Morneau scorched a liner at Rays 2^nd baseman Akinori Iwamura.  Iwamura bobbled it momentarily before throwing to 2^nd for the force, allowing Morneau to beat the relay throw to first and win it for the Twins.  The rubber game of the series is Wednesday night as the Twins turn to Nick Blackburn for a series victory.

Record: 10-11

April 29^th: Twins 8, Rays 3

The Twins jumped all over Rays starter Scott Kazmir, scoring 4 runs in the 1^st inning and all 8 by the 4^th to back a strong effort from Nick Blackburn in a series-clinching 8-3 win.  Blackburn improved to 2-1 on the season by lasting 7 innings and allowing 2 runs on 8 hits, and getting plenty of early run support.  The offense put together 4 singles, 2 walks, and 2 wild pitches en route to 4 1^st inning runs.  Denard Span, Brendan Harris, and Justin Morneau, the 1-2-3 hitters in the Twins order, combined for 9 hits and 6 runs, leading a balanced offensive attack in which 5 different players drove in runs.  After an off-day Thursday, the Twins wrap up the homestand with a 3-game series beginning Friday night against the Royals, which features the much-anticipated and welcomed return of All-Star catcher and 2-time AL batting champion Joe Mauer from the DL.  Kevin Slowey gets the start, looking to duplicate the success of his last start in Cleveland.

Record: 11-11

May 1^st: Twins 7, Royals 5

Joe Mauer made his return a triumphant one, homering in his first at-bat of the 2009 season in a 7-5 Twins victory over Kansas City.  Kevin Slowey wasn’t great, pitching 5 innings and allowing 5 runs on 8 hits, but was good enough to improve to 4-0 for the season.  Mauer led a balanced Twins offensive attack, as 7 different Twins drove had hits.  Nick Punto drove in 2 with a clutch single, and Justin Morneau’s 2-run homer in the 5^th put the Twins ahead to stay.  The Twins look to make it 4 straight wins on Saturday, sending Glen Perkins (24 IP, 1.50 ERA at home this season) to the mound to do it.

Record: 12-11

May 2^nd: Royals 10, Twins 7 in 11 innings

In a back-and-forth affair that featured 4 ties and 3 lead changes, the Twins couldn’t get one more clutch hit to save its beleaguered bullpen, falling in 11 innings to the Royals by a final of 10-7.  Glen Perkins started but was ineffective for his 2^nd straight start, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits over 6 innings.  After falling behind 2-0 early, the Twins took advantage of 2 singles and 2 Kansas City errors to take a 3-2 lead.  After the Royals tied it in the 5^th, Joe Mauer continued his hot-hitting with an RBI double to put the Twins back in front 4-3.  The Royals once again answered with a 2-run 6^th for a 5-4 lead, but Michael Cuddyer homered to lead off the bottom half of inning to tie it once more.  The Twins added 3 more hits in the inning to hand Perkins a 6-5 lead heading to the 7^th.  Luis Ayala promptly allowed the tying run, and the teams headed to the 8^th tied at 6.  A costly error with 2 outs and a runner at 3^rd by Alexi Casilla pushed the Royals in front once again, but Minnesota answered once more, as Delmon Young drove in the tying run with a single.  But in the battle of the bullpens, Kansas City won out, stopping Minnesota time and again.  Brian Buscher nearly sent the Twins home happy in the 10^th with a walk-off homer, but it fell 3 feet short of going over the baggie in right field, and he was stranded at 3rd.  Craig Breslow walked the bases full in the 11^th, and then saw R.A. Dickey allow all 3 runners to score, putting the game out of reach.  Minnesota looks for its 3^rd straight series victory in the Sunday finale, sending the struggling Scott Baker to the mound to hopefully straighten himself out and give the bullpen a much-needed rest.

Record: 12-12

May 3^rd: Royals 7, Twins 5

Scott Baker no-hit the Royals through 6 innings – and then promptly fell apart.  Baker gave up 5 consecutive hits to start the 7^th – and all 5 Royals would score – as the Twins choked away a 4-0 7^th inning lead in a very disappointing 7-5 loss to the Royals to lose the series.  Baker allowed only a walk over the first 6 innings before 4 singles and a 3-run homer ended his day badly.  He fell to 0-4 on the season, and saw is ERA increase to 9.15.  Luis Ayala and R.A. Dickey continued to disappoint out of the bullpen, as Ayala would allow the tying and go-ahead runs to score in the 7^th, and Dickey would give up 2 more runs over his 2 innings.  Offensively, Justin Morneau had 3 hits and scored a run, Michael Cuddyer had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs, and Denard Span scored twice.  The Twins now head out on the road for 4 games beginning with 2 in Detroit.  Francisco Liriano starts the opener Monday.

Record: 12-13

May 4^th: Twins 7, Tigers 2

Francisco Liriano shut down the Tiger lineup over 7 1/3 innings, and the Twins offense busted out for 5 runs in the 7^th inning, leading to a solid 7-2 victory of the brief 2-game set in Detroit.  Liriano allowed a mere 2 runs on 4 hits in finally getting his first win of the season.  Joe Crede doubled home the go-ahead run in the tie-breaking rally, and Michael Cuddyer followed with a 2-run triple.  Not to be outdone, Alexi Casilla finally got off the schnide with a 2-run single to put the Twins ahead 6-1.  Matt Guerrier got the final 5 outs to save the Twins’ beleaguered bullpen.  The Twins look to sweep the short series behind Nick Blackburn.

Record: 13-13

May 5^th: Tigers 9, Twins 0

The momentum from the previous night lasted less than two innings.  Nick Blackburn allowed 1 run in the 1^st and 5 more in the 2^nd and was not help at all by shoddy defense behind him as the Tigers routed the Twins 9-0 to split the 2-game series.  Blackburn lasted just 3 1/3 innings and allowed 9 runs (6 earned) on 8 hits, with 3 errors behind him not helping his cause.  Jason Kubel had 3 hits as the Twins were held off the scoreboard for the 3^rd time this season.  The Twins’ road trip continues in Baltimore tonight, as Kevin Slowey gets the call for Minnesota.

Record: 13-14

May 6^th: Orioles 4, Twins 1 in 6 innings (rain)

The Twins’ struggles continued, albeit in short fashion, on Wednesday night, as Kevin Slowey struggled early and the O’s topped the Twins 4-1 in rain-shortened 6-inning game.  Slowey lasted only 3 innings in the midst of 3 separate rain delays, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, and picking up his first loss of the season.  The top of the 5^th looked like it could get Minnesota back into the game as the Twins opened with 3 consecutive singles and a run.  But then Nick Punto was picked off from 1^st, and as he was hustling back in safely, Carlos Gomez was cut down at the plate trying to score.  Denard Span grounded out to end the threat, and the game was ended early shortly thereafter.  The Twins look to salvage of split of the brief 2-game series Thursday night, and send Glen Perkins to the mound to get it.

Record: 13-15

May 7^th: Orioles 5, Twins 4

Jose Mijares gave up 2 2-out 2-strike singles, leading to the go-ahead run for Baltimore, in the 8^th inning as the Orioles defeated the Twins 5-4 to sweep the short 2-game series at Camden Yards.  Glen Perkins got the start and once again was not as effective as he was early in the year, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits over 6 innings.  Still, the Twins battled back from a 4-2 deficit to tie the game with single runs in the 6^th and 7^th innings.  Denard Span had 2 hits and scored 2 runs, Matt Tolbert had his first 2 hits of 2009 after being recently recalled from Class AAA, and Joe Mauer and Delmon Young added 3 more apiece.  But Mijares allowed 2 base hits – to Ty Wigginton and Lou Montanez, hitting .208 and .185 respectively, with 2 strikes and 2 outs to put the O’s in front, and George Sherrill would close the game out from there.  The Twins return home for a 6-game homestand beginning with 3 games against the Seattle Mariners, with the opener on Friday night.  Scott Baker looks to finally put together a complete start in game 1 of the series.

Record: 13-16

May 8^th: Twins 11, Mariners 0

The Twins pounded 4 homers, with each starter collecting at least 1 hit, to back Scott Baker’s first victory of ’09 in an 11-0 rout of the Mariners.  Baker finally put together a complete start, pitching 7 innings and scattering 5 hits.  Brendan Harris’ 3-run shot gave the Twins a 5-0 lead in the 2^nd, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau went back-to-back in 5^th, and was later followed by Brian Buscher’s 3-run shot in the same inning.  The Twins look for consecutive wins over the M’s on Saturday night, as Francisco Liriano looks to continue his newfound consistency.

Record: 14-16

May 9^th: Twins 9, Mariners 6

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau hit back-to-back homers for the 2^nd consecutive game in the 3^rd inning, and Michael Cuddyer hit a game-clinching 3-run homer in the 5^th, as the Twins provided Francisco Liriano with enough offense to pick up his 2^nd win of the year by a final of 9-6.  Liriano only lasted 5 runs and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, but was good enough to get the win.  Mauer got the Twins on the board in 1^st with a 2-run double, and the Twins took advantage of an errant throw by M’s 3^rd baseman Adrian Beltre to score 2 runs in the 4^th to stem the Mariners rally.  The Twins look for the sweep behind Nick Blackburn on Sunday afternoon.

Record: 15-16

May 10^th: Mariners 5, Twins 3

The Twins bullpen allowed 5 runs, wasting a fabulous 7-inning effort by Nick Blackburn, as the Twins fell to the Mariners 5-2 in the series finale as Seattle salvaged 1 game in the series.  Blackburn scattered 6 hits and racked up 6 strikeouts, working the corners brilliantly and doing all he could to get the Twins a win.  But Jose Mijares allowed a 2-run tying homer to Ken Griffey, Jr., and Jesse Crain allowed 3 hits and 2 runs in the losing cause.  Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, and Joe Mauer drove in the 3 Minnesota runs.  After an off-day Monday, the homestand continues Tuesday against Detroit.  Kevin Slowey starts the opener.

Record: 15-17

May 12th: Twins 6, Tigers 2

The Twins jumped on Tigers starter Armando Galarraga early to support Kevin Slowey in a 6-2 win to open the 3-game series. Slowey pitched 6 effective innings, limiting the Tigers to 1 run (on a solo homer) on 8 hits. Joe Crede got the Twins on the board with a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning, and after Joe Mauer was robbed of a 2-run homer in the 1st, he was able to hit one in the 3rd for a 4-0 lead. Delmon Young and Denard Span had the other RBIs in the victory. Matt Tolbert also helped turn a double play with a brilliant stop up the middle in the 5th to prevent a Tigers rally. Jesse Crain's struggles continued as he allowed a solo homer and a walk, but Jose Mijares was stellar, recording 4 outs without allowing a baserunner. Matt Guerrier and Joe Nathan finished out the win. The Twins look to continue the momentum on Wednesday, sending Glen Perkins to the hill.

Record: 16-17

May 13^th: Twins 14, Tigers 10 in 13 innings

The Twins walked off in style in the 2^nd game of the series as Joe Crede sent Twins fans home happy with a walk-off grand slam in the 13 inning to cap a 14-10 Twins come-from-behind win over Detroit.  Glen Perkins started and retired the first 10 batters he faced on just 25 pitches before being derailed subsequent innings, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits and a career-high 4 walks with 4 strikeouts.  The bullpen didn’t fare much better in regulation, as Matt Guerrier allowed 2 home runs in the 8^th inning and letting the Tigers take a 9-7 lead.  But the offense maintained its torrid pace, as Justin Morneau homered in the first for a 2-0 Twins lead.  Joe Mauer drove in a run to make it 3-0, and the Tigers rallied back to within 3-2, Brendan Harris scored on a sacrifice fly from Carlos Gomez after a nifty slide going 1^st to 3^rd on a hit by Mike Redmond.  The score was 4-3 when Brandon Inge ended Perkins’ day with a go-ahead 2-run homer.  The Twins came right back as Denard Span plated 2 with a triple and scored on a sac fly for a 7-5 lead.  But after Luis Ayala gave up 2 base runners, Miguel Cabrera hit the 1^st pitch he saw from Guerrier into the left field seats for an 8-7 Tiger lead.  Jeff Larish added an insurance run with a solo homer off Guerrier as well.  But once again, the Twins were not to be denied.  With Tigers flamethrowing righty Joel Zumaya on the hill, the Twins sent Jason Kubel to plate with Redmond on to pitch-hit for Gomez, and he launched the first Zumaya pitch he saw over the baggie in right field for a game-tying 2-run homer.  The battle of the bullpens ensued, as R.A. Dickey, Joe Nathan, Jose Mijares, and Jess Crain pitched the Twins to the 13^th inning.  Crain balk home the go-ahead run, but ended up with the win.  Kubel led off the bottom half of the inning with a single, and then was pinch-run for by Nick Punto.  Punto advanced to 2^nd on a sacrifice.  Matt Tolbert singled him home to tie it at 10, and then went to 2^nd on a groundout.  Justin Morneau was intentionally walked and Michael Cuddyer drew a walk, setting up Crede’s heroics.  The Twins look for the sweep in Thursday’s matinee finale, sending the ever-improving Scott Baker to the mound to do it.

Record: 17-17

May 14^th: Twins 6, Tigers 5

Joe Crede looks awfully good in that Twins uniform.  Crede was the hero for the 2^nd consecutive game, capping a 6-run Twins rally with a 2-run 2-out single as the Twins came from behind once again to defeat Detroit, this time by a final of 6-5 to sweep the 3-game series.  Scott Baker started and was brilliant for the 1^st 5 innings, but as has been his MO this season, fell apart in a single inning, this time the 6^th.  He gave up 2 singles to start the inning before getting a strikeout and pop up, getting within 1 out of keeping the game a scoreless tie.  But he was then derailed by 3 more hits and 2 walks before finally retiring the final batter of the inning, trailing 5-0.  He allowed 5 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings in total.  The Twins looked ready to fold against the onslaught of Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who finished the day with 13 strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings.  But his inability to get out of the 7^th proved his, and the Tigers’, undoing.  After striking out Crede to start the inning, Brian Buscher singled and Nick Punto walked, ending Verlander’s day as he was replaced by lefty Bobby Seay.  Denard Span singled to load the bases, and then Matt Tolbert drew a walk to get the Twins on the board at 5-1.  Joe Mauer drove home another run with a fielder’s choice groundout to make it 5-2.  Justin Morneau kept the rally alive by hitting the 1^st pitch from Seay to right field for a single, cutting the deficit to 5-3.  Jason Kubel hit Seay’s 2^nd pitch on one hop over the fence in right-center field for a ground-rule double, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 5-4 and putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position.  Right-hander Zach Miner came in to face Michael Cuddyer, who walked to pack the sacks once again for Crede, who’d won the game the previous night with a walk-off grand slam.  This time, Crede hit the ball off the thin part of the bat just in front of center field Curtis Granderson, scoring Morneau and Kubel for a 6-5 Twins lead.  Craig Breslow picked up his first win of the year, allowing 2 hits over 1 2/3 scoreless frames, and Matt Guerrier induced a groundout to retire the side in the 8^th.  Nathan pitched a 1-2-3 9^th inning for his 6^th save of the year.  The Twins look to maintain the momentum and improve on a less-than-stellar 4-8 road record on a 7-game road trip beginning with 4 games in the Big Apple against the Yankees.  Francisco Liriano takes the mound in the Friday night opener.

Record: 18-17

May 15^th: Yankees 5, Twins 4

Joe Nathan couldn’t complete the save in his 4^th consecutive appearance as the Twins lost a heartbreaker to the Yankees 5-4 to open the 4-game series.  Francisco Liriano got the start and lasted 6 innings, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits, with 6 walks and 6 strikeouts.  Justin Morneau went deep twice and Joe Mauer added another homer as the Twins took a 4-1 lead to the 7^th and 4-2 lead into the 9^th.  Denard Span misplayed a ball from Brett Gardner that resulted in an inside-the-park homer, and Gardner tripled leading off the 9^th to start the Yankee comeback.  Jesse Crain got 2 outs in the 7^th, and Jose Mijares got 4 more to get the Twins to the 9^th ahead.  But Nathan allowed 2 hits and 2 walks, including Melky Cabrera’s walkoff single, as the 3-game winning ended for Minnesota.  The Twins look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon behind Nick Blackburn.

Record: 18-18

May 16^th: Yankees 6, Twins 4 in 11 innings

The Twins lost on a walkoff for the 2^nd consecutive game, as Alex Rodriguez homered in the 11^th inning to give the Yanks a 6-4 win over the Twins in 2^nd game of the series.  Nick Blackburn started and pitched a solid 7 2/3 innings, but was left in one batter too long, allowing a game-tying RBI single to Mark Teixiera that tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the 8^th inning.  Blackburn allowed 4 runs on 6 hits over that span, also allowing a 3-run homer to Teixiera; however, he was still in position to win the game late.  Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer each homered again, and Brian Buscher drove home the go-ahead run in the 8^th with an RBI double.  But Blackburn couldn’t hold the lead in the 8^th, and after 2 1/3 scoreless innings from Guerrier, Rodriguez broke through against Craig Breslow in the 11^th.  The Twins look to end the losing skid on Sunday, sending Kevin Slowey to the mound to do it.

Record: 18-19

May 17^th: Yankees 3, Twins 2, in 10 innings

For the 3^rd consecutive game, the Twins couldn’t keep a late lead.  For the 3^rd consecutive game, the Twins lost to the Yankees via a walkoff hit.  On Sunday, it was Johnny Damon’s walkoff homer that sent the Twins home disappointed, as the Twins lost another heartbreaker, this time by a 3-2 final in 10 innings.  Kevin Slowey did not disappoint for Minnesota, allowing only 2 runs on 8 hits over 7 2/3 innings.  But A.J. Burnett was just as good for New York, as the game was scoreless going into the 7^th inning.  Matt Tolbert’s 2-out RBI single got the Twins on the board in the 7^th, and Nick Punto scored on the 2^nd of 2 successive Burnett wild pitches.  But Slowey couldn’t pitch with the lead, allowing a leadoff homer to Alex Rodriguez in the bottom half of the inning, then allowing Hideki Matsui to score the tying run following a double.  Jose Morales struck out Matsui with the bases loaded to keep the game tied in the 8^th to take Slowey off the hook, and also pitched a scoreless 9^th.  Joe Mauer made the defensive play of the game in the 9^th with a tag at home on Yanks pinch runner Brett Gardner that momentarily saved the game.  But Damon’s homer in the bottom of the 10^th off Jesse Crain won it for New York.  The Twins look to avoid a 4-game sweep on Monday night, sending Glen Perkins to the hill to do it.

Record: 18-20

May 18^th: Yankees 7, Twins 6

Well, at least the Twins didn’t lose on a walkoff.  The Twins’ final chance at a win at Yankee Stadium in ’09 was derailed early, as Glen Perkins couldn’t even make it out of the first inning in an eventual 7-6 loss, completing a 4-game sweep.  Perkins allowed 6 runs on 7 hits, retiring just 2 batters and seeing his ERA jump to 5.36.  The Twins jumped out early to a 2-0 lead on RBI hits by Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, but the lead didn’t last long.  The Twins battled back all night long, as Michael Cuddyer hit his 4^th homer of the year and drove in another run with a groundout, and Denard Span homered and singled home another run.  But Mark Teixiera’s 7^th inning solo homer ended up being the difference.  Gomez flew out to end a bases-loaded threat in the 7^th as well.  Overall, the bullpen pitched brilliantly, allowing only that solo homer of 7 1/3 innings as R.A. Dickey, Luis Ayala, and Craig Breslow kept Minnesota in the game, but the rally fell short.  The Twins look to turn things around in Chicago starting Tuesday night, as Scott Baker gets the start.

Record: 18-21

May 19^th: White Sox 6, Twins 2

And so the losing streak continues.  Scott Baker struggled with command and location in his 5 innings of work, and the offense’s trend of woeful hitting with runners in scoring position once again did them in as they fell 6-2 to the White Sox in the opening game of the 3-game series, their 5^th consecutive loss.  Baker allowed 2 more home runs and 4 runs overall on 5 hits and an uncharacteristic 4 walks in falling to 1-5 on the season.  The Twins outhit the Sox 9-7 overall but scored only 2 runs, on Joe Mauer’s 7^th homer and Nick Punto’s RBI single.  The Twins grounded into 3 double plays as well, killing any potential big innings.  Glen Perkins was placed on the DL was elbow inflammation as well, adding insult to injury.  The Twins look to get off the schnide in the 2^nd game of the series, and send Francisco Liriano to the hill to get it done.

Record: 18-22

May 20^th: White Sox 7, Twins 4

The Twins can only win 1 game on the 7-game trip they’re currently on.  A 7-run White Sox explosion in the 4^th inning, capped by Jermaine Dye’s grand slam, ended Francisco Liriano’s night early as the Twins’ tradition of getting ahead early, giving up a huge inning, and having to battle back all night only to come up agonizingly short continued in a 7-4 loss in the 2^nd game of the series.  Liriano threw 3 shutout innings to open the game before imploding the 4^th, allowing 7 runs on 7 hits overall, 6 of those hits coming in the 4^th, including 2 home runs.  Jason Kubel and Joe Crede drove in the runs for Minnesota in the 4^th for a brief 2-0 lead, and Michael Cuddyer’s 2-run shot got the Twins closer in the 6^th, but that 1 huge inning was more than enough for Chicago to hand the Twins their 6^th straight loss.  The Twins look to end the skid and salvage 1 game in the series behind the right arm of Nick Blackburn.

Record: 18-23

May 21^st: Twins 20, White Sox 1

The losing streak finally ended – and in emphatic fashion.  Joe Mauer hit a grand slam and drove in 6 runs, and 5 Twins had at least 5 hits to back a strong effort from Nick Blackburn as the Twins handed the White Sox their worst loss in their team history by a final of 20-1.  Blackburn was stellar, shutting out Chicago over 7 innings on just 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 2 to pick up his 3^rd win of ’09.  The offense jumped all over Bartolo Colon early, erupting for 7 runs in the 2^nd inning for an 8-0 lead.  Michael Cuddyer and Joe Crede ended the inning with back-to-back homers, with Cuddyer’s being a 3-run shot.  Only 1 of Colon’s allowed runs was earned, as 3^rd baseman Wilson Betemit made a costly error that opened the floodgates.  The offense was hardly finished, however, as Joe Mauer’s slam capped a 6-run 6^th inning for a 16-0 lead.  And Matt Tolbert hit his first career homer in the 7^th, a 3-run shot that put the Twins ahead 20-0 (but his error in the 8^th allowed the White Sox to score their only run).  Mauer now has 8 homers and 24 RBI in less than a month, and Cuddyer finished 4-6 with 3 RBI and 4 runs scored to raise his average to .275.  Tolbert also raised his average over 40 points with a 3-6 effort, 2 runs and 4 RBI, and Jason Kubel drove in and scored 2 runs apiece with 3 hits.  The Twins look for a little more consistency after returning to the friendly confines of the Metrodome on Friday night, beginning with an Interleague matchup against Milwaukee.  Kevin Slowey gets the start in the opening game.

Record: 19-23

May 22^nd: Twins 11, Brewers 3

The offense continued their onslaught, as Michael Cuddyer became the 2^nd Twin and 3^rd in 2 seasons to hit for the cycle to back 7+ solid innings from Kevin Slowey in an 11-3 rout of Milwaukee to open the 3-game interleague set.  Slowey threw 7 1/3 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits to improve to 6-1 on the season.  Cuddyer homered in the 1^st, doubled in the 3^rd, singled in the 4^th, and tripled in the 6^th to follow Jason Kubel and Carlos Gomez as the Twins that have gone cycling in the past 2 seasons.  Cuddyer went 4-4 overall with a 2 runs and 5 RBI, Justin Morneau tripled and went 3-5 with 2 RBI and 3 runs, and Joe Mauer walked twice, scored 2 runs and drove home 2 more as the Twins have now outscored their opponents 31-4 overall their last 2 games.  The Twins look to continue the momentum Saturday night behind Anthony Swarzak, who will be making his major league debut and is temporarily taking the place of injured lefty Glen Perkins.

Record: 20-23

May 23rd: Twins 6, Brewers 2

Anthony Swarzak’s major-league debut couldn’t have been much better.  Swarzak threw 7 shutout innings, allowing only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 3 in a 6-2 Twins win over Milwaukee in the 2nd game of the series.  Joe Mauer went 3-3 with 2 RBI and his 9th home run of May, and Joe Crede hit his 7th homer as well.  Crede and Morneau had the other RBIs, and another run scored in the 1st on an error.  The Twins look for the sweep Sunday night and send Scott Baker to the hill to do it.

Record: 21-23

May 24^th: Twins 6, Brewers 3

Scott Baker pitched into the 9^th to pick up his 2^nd win of ’09 and the Twins hit 3 home runs to provide all the necessary offense as the Twins won their 4^th straight game by a final of 6-3 to sweep away the Brewers.  Baker allowed 3 runs on 2 homers and 7 hits overall in 8 1/3 innings in a much-needed confidence booster that will hopefully jumpstart the rest of his season.  Joe Mauer got the Twins on the board with an estimated 437-foot moon shot homer, and Joe Crede put the Twins ahead 2-1 with a 418-foot blast in the 4^th.  Mauer got hit by a pitch in the 7^th to load the bases for Justin Morneau, who hit an upper deck blast for a grand slam and a 6-1 lead to put the game out of reach.  Joe Nathan finished out the game with 2 strikeouts.  The Twins look to continue the momentum on Monday afternoon as they welcome the Red Sox into town.  Francisco Liriano gets the start for Minnesota.

Record: 22-23

May 25^th: Red Sox 6, Twins 5

Francisco Liriano’s inconsistency continued on Monday afternoon, as he allowed 5 runs on 11 hits over just 4 innings in a 6-5 defeat against the Red Sox.  Liriano didn’t walk anyone and struck 7, but his slider wasn’t biting, and the Red Sox took advantage.  R.A. Dickey was solid in relief, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings, keeping Minnesota in the game.  Michael Cuddyer launched a 430-foot homer in the 2^nd to give the Twins a brief 1-0 lead before 5 unanswered Boston runs, and Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel drove in runs in the 6^th to pull the Twins to within 5-3.  After a Boston insurance run in the 8^th, Joe Mauer’s 11^th home run of the month of May (and club record 31 RBI) got the Twins to within 6-5, but Delmon Young’s fly out ended the game.  The Twins look to get back on track with Nick Blackburn starting the 2^nd game of the series on Tuesday night.

Record: 22-24

May 26^th: Twins 5, Red Sox 2

Nick Blackburn’s rock solid pitching continued as the Twins extended their consecutive games streak with a home run to 9 games in a 5-2 win over the Red Sox in the 2^nd game of the series.  Blackburn pitched 7 innings and only allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 8 hits, walking 2 and striking out a season-high 7.  The Twins fell behind 1-0 in the 5^th only to rally for 5 runs in the bottom half of the inning.  Nick Punto drove home the first run with a single, Denard Span got the go-ahead run home with a groundout, and following a walk to Joe  Mauer, Justin Morneau drilled a 1-0 pitch from Jon Lester over the baggie in right field for a 3-run homer, his 14^th of ’09.  Matt Guerrier and Joe Nathan finished for their 6^th hold and 7^th save, respectively.  The Twins look for the edge in the series and a return to .500 on Wednesday night behind the surging right arm of Kevin Slowey.

Record: 23-24

May 27^th: Twins 4, Red Sox 2

Kevin Slowey joined Roy Halladay and Zack Greinke as the only pitchers in the AL with at least 7 wins, picking up his 7^th win of the season in a 4-2 win over Boston.  Slowey worked through a difficult Red Sox lineup over 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking 1 and striking out 5.  Despite going 2-13 with runners in scoring position, the Twins got enough scoring, solid defense, and stellar pitching to get the win.  The Twins responded to Boston’s run in the 3^rd with 3 of their own in the bottom half of the inning, as Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, and Brendan Harris drove in runs for a 3-1 lead.  The Twins then responded to Jason Bay’s home run in the 6^th with an insurance run in the bottom half of that inning, as Michael Cuddyer took one for the team, getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  Jose Mijares and Matt Guerrier picked up their 5^th and 7^th holds respectively, and Joe Nathan closed out his 2^nd consecutive game and 8^th save of ’09.  The Twins look to win the series and even the season series with a win in the Thursday finale.  Anthony Swarzak looks to continue on the success of last Saturday in his 2^nd major league start.

Record: 24-24

May 28^th: Red Sox 3, Twins 1

In a game that featured ejections of both team’s starting catchers and managers, the Red Sox came back from an early 1-0 deficit to defeat the Twins 3-1 and split the 4-game series.  Anthony Swarzak pitched well in his 2^nd major league start, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, walking 4 and striking out 3 over 6+ innings.  But his inability to retire Jason Varitek (2 solo home runs) proved costly.  Josh Beckett was almost unhittable for Boston as well, allowing only Joe Crede’s solo homer and 2 other hits over 7 innings, with 8 strikeouts.  Drama unfolded in the 7^th, following Varitek’s 2^nd homer.  Sox left fielder Jeff Bailey tagged up from 3^rd tying to score on a sacrifice fly, but Jason Kubel’s throw was right on target to the plate.  In a bang-bang play, Bailey was ruled safe, infuriating Twins catcher Mike Redmond.  Redmond, and later manager Ron Gardenhire, were thrown out of the game but home plate umpire Todd Tichenor.  In the bottom half of the inning, Josh Beckett and Varitek starting getting upset at ball and strike calls from Tichenor, resulting in the ejections of Varitek and Sox manager Terry Francona.  Unfortunately for Minnesota, they were unable to get to Beckett, lefty Hideki Okajima, or closer Jonathan Papelbon.  The Twins leave for Tampa Bay and a brief 3-game road trip.  Scott Baker gets the start in the Friday night opener.

Record: 24-25

May 29^th: Rays 5, Twins 3

Another 1-for-11 effort with runners in scoring position on the road did in the Twins, this time in a 5-3 loss in Tampa Bay to open the 3-game series.  Scott Baker got the start and pitched well until the 6^th, when Evan Longoria went deep for a 3-run homer that put the Rays ahead 4-1.  Baker allowed 4 runs on 7 hits on 5 2/3 innings, falling to 2-6 on this season.  Michael Cuddyer got the Twins even in the 6^th with a solo homer, but the tie was short-lived.  The Twins had a multitude of scoring opportunities both early and late, but failed on nearly all of them.  Justin Morneau drove in Joe Mauer (who finished a home run shy of the cycle) to cut the lead to 4-2 in the 8^th, then scored on an error from Longoria to slice the deficit to 1 run.  But neither Joe Crede nor Brendan Harris could drive in Cuddyer with the tying run, as they both struck out.  The Rays added an insurance run in the 8^th to provide the final margin.  The Twins look to even the series on Saturday afternoon, sending Francisco Liriano to right his own ship and get the Twins out of their mini 2-game skid.

Record: 24-26

May 30^th: Rays 5, Twins 2

And so the offensive slump continues.  The Twins managed only 5 hits and 1 run against Rays flamethrowing starter David Price, and Francisco Liriano threw a whopping 47 pitches in a 4-run Rays 3^rd  innings in the Twins’ 5-2 loss in the 2^nd game of the series.  Liriano only made it through 4 innings overall, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, though he at least was able to get through the 4^th inning after the 3^rd inning debacle.  Price struck out 11 Twins over his 5 2/3 inning stint, as only Justin Morneau’s groundout prevented a shutout. Alexi Casilla, just recalled from Class AAA Rochester, drove in the other Twins run in the 9^th with a fielder’s choice groundout.  The Twins seek to avoid the sweep on Sunday behind Nick Blackburn.

Record: 24-27

May 31^st: Twins 3, Rays 2

The Twins finally picked up their 6^th road win, and 1^st by under 4 runs, in a 3-2 win at Tampa Bay to avoid a 3-game sweep.  Nick Blackburn threw 6 solid innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits to pick up his 5^th win of ’09 and outduel former Twin Matt Garza.  Brendan Harris hit the first pitch he saw in the 2^nd inning from Garza over the left-field fence for an early 1-0 lead, but the Twins would fall behind 2-1 heading into the 6^th.  Justin Morneau broke the Twins hitless streak with runners in scoring position with a 2-out RBI single in the 6^th to tie the game, and Carlos Gomez drove in just his 3^rd run of the year in the 7^th with a bloop single just over the head of Rays 2^nd baseman Ben Zobrist.  Sean Henn, Matt Guerrier, and Jose Morales effectively bridged the 7^th and 8^th innings to get to Joe Nathan in the 9^th, who retired the side in order for his 9^th save in 11 chances.  After an off-day, the Twins return home briefly for a 3-game series with the Cleveland Indians.  Kevin Slowey starts the opener Tuesday night.

Record: 25-27

June 2^nd: Twins 4, Indians 3

The Twins got the month of June off to a good start, holding off a late Cleveland rally to defeat the Indians 4-3 in the opening game of the 3-game series at the Metrodome.  Kevin Slowey cruised into the 7^th inning with a shutout on only 4 hits, but then walked 2 and gave up 2 hits and 2 runs all with 2 outs before being removed.  He got just enough run support to improve to 8-1 on the season and a lower ERA of 3.97.  Joe Mauer went 3-3 with a 2-run homer and 3 RBI to improve his average to .431, and Denard Span drove in the other Twins run.  The Twins look for their 3^rd consecutive win on Wednesday night, sending Anthony Swarzak to the hill for his 3^rd major league start.

Record: 26-27

June 3^rd: Indians 10, Twins 1

The game was over early for the Twins, as Anthony Swarzak simply could not get the 3^rd out of the 3^rd inning, as the Twins were routed at home by Cleveland in a final of 10-1.  Swarzak allowed 6 consecutive hits with 2 outs in the 3^rd, including a back-breaking 3-run homer to Johnny Paralta, as the Twins fell behind 5-0 and 6-0 by the end of the 4^th, also the end of Swarzak’s night.  Swarzak allowed 6 runs on 9 hits over his 4-inning stint, far and away the worst start of the 3 he’s had and possibly a signal that he’s not quite ready for the majors at this time.  Alexi Casilla’s error led to 2 runs in the 8^th for Cleveland, and Jesse Crain allowed 2 more in the 9^th as it was a night-long struggle for the entire team.  Only Carlos Gomez’s 2-out RBI single in the 6^th prevented the Twins from being shutout, as the offense hit into 4 momentum-killing double plays in the game.  The Twins look to make it a winning series in the Thursday matinee finale, sending Scott Baker to the hill to win the final game.

Record: 26-28

June 4^th: Twins 11, Indians 3

One night after everything went wrong, everything went right.  The Twins chased Indians starter Fausto Carmona early, and Scott Baker threw 7 solid innings, as the Twins routed the Tribe 11-3 in the finale of the series.  Scott Baker allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits, striking out a career-high 10 to pick up his 3^rd win of the year.  The Twins were off and running early, as Denard Span and Joe Mauer began the 1^st inning with walks, and Justin Morneau drove in the 1^st Twins run with a single to left.  Jason Kubel followed with a 3-run homer for a quick 4-0 lead.  After 2 outs in the 2^nd, Mauer singled and Morneau walked, setting the stage for Kubel’s 2^nd 3-run homer in 2 innings, and a 7-0 Twins lead.  Span and Morneau added to the carnage with homers in the 6^th, and Joe Crede got a run home with a sacrifice fly in the 8^th to complete the scoring.  The Twins look for some success on the road as they embark on a 10-game road trip beginning Friday night in Seattle.  Francisco Liriano starts the opener of the 3-game series, perhaps pitching for his rotation spot.

Record: 27-28

June 5^th: Twins 2, Mariners 1, in 10 innings

In a pitcher’s duel in which neither team’s offense seemed to be able to catch a break, the Twins caught the last one in a 10-inning 2-1 win in Seattle to open the 3-game series and the team’s 10-game road trip.  Francisco Liriano got the start for Minnesota in a game in which he may have been pitching for his spot in the rotation, and he did not disappoint, limiting the Mariners to a single run (Mike Sweeney’s solo homer) on just 3 hits, walking 4 and striking out 5.  He also repeatedly pitched out a jams, getting out of a bases-loaded situation in the 3^rd inning and 1^st and 3^rd in the 5^th.  Felix Hernandez was just as good for Seattle, pitching 7 innings and allowing the Twins just 6 hits and 1 run with 7 K’s.  The Twins tied the game in the 3^rd as Carlos Gomez and Alexi Casilla began the frame with infield singles.  Denard Span sacrificed them to 2^nd and 3^rd and Joe Mauer was intentionally walked, setting up Justin Morneau’s sacrifice fly to left.  Fast forward to the battle of the bullpens, as the game went to the 10^th inning tied at 1.  Jesse Crain, Jose Mijares, and Matt Guerrier combined to shutout the Mariners for 3 innings, getting the Twins to the 10^th.  Mauer led off with a booming double to left-center, nearly clearing the fence.  Morneau was then intentionally walked.  Jason Kubel was next, and he was absolutely robbed of a go-ahead 3-run homer by M’s center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, who made a sensational catch in left-center field.  Mauer tagged and went to 3^rd, setting up Matt Tolbert, who had entered the game as a pinch-runner for Joe Crede in the 8^th inning.  The Twins put the suicide squeeze on, but the Mariners pitched out, and Tolbert missed the bunt.  Mauer was a sitting duck between 3^rd and home, and he was tagged out.  Morneau took 2^nd, and Matt Tolbert lifted a fly to left field that was misplayed by M’s left fielder Wladimir Balentien, scoring Morneau with the go-ahead run.  Joe Nathan finished for his 11^th save, inducing a pop up from pinch hitter Ken Griffey Jr. and a strikeout of Ichiro Suzuki, who saw his 27-game hitting streak come to an end.  The Twins look to continue the momentum Saturday afternoon, as Nick Blackburn takes the hill.

Record: 28-28

June 6^th: Mariners 2, Twins 1

In another pitcher’s duel, the Twins dropped a heartbreaker one night after stealing a game, losing 2-1 in 2^nd game of the series in Seattle.  Nick Blackburn pitched 7 brilliant innings, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits, but the Twins simply could not get the go-ahead run across to get him a win.  Mike Redmond’s 2-out RBI double gave the Twins a 1-0 lead in the 4^th, but that’s all Jarrod Washburn would allow Minnesota, as he continued his career mastery of the Twins.  Ichiro Suzuki tied the game in the 5^th with an RBI double of his own, and Ken Griffey Jr. once again broke the Twins’ backs with another 2-out RBI double, giving the M’s a 2-1 lead in the 8^th against Sean Henn.  The Twins got 2 runners aboard in the 9^th against M’s closer David Aardsma, but were unable to tie the game.  The Twins look for the series win in the Sunday finale, sending ace Kevin Slowey to the mound to do it.

Record: 28-29

June 7^th: Mariners 4, Twins 2

Same story, same result.  The Twins went the entire 3-game series against Seattle without producing a hit with runners in scoring position that actually scored a run, and the theme continued in the season series-ending 4-2 loss on Sunday afternoon.  Kevin Slowey got the start but never had command, failing to get out of the 5^th inning and allowing 4 runs on 10 hits with 2 walks in losing just his 2^nd decision of the season, and being victimized by 3 solo home runs.  After falling behind 2-0 entering the 5^th, Denard Span walked and Joe Mauer doubled, but the tying runs in scoring position with nobody out.  Both runs would end up scoring, but not via base hits (Justin Morneau grounded out to 2^nd and Joe Crede hit a sacrifice fly to right).  The Mariners immediately broke the tie in the bottom half of the inning with 2 homers against Slowey from Jose Lopez and Jaime Burke.  The bullpen once again pitched well, as R.A. Dickey threw 2 1/3 shutout innings, and Jesse Crain, Jose Mijares, and Luis Ayala combined to work into and out of a bases-loaded jam in the 8^th.  But the offense once again couldn’t come through.  The Twins and M’s combined to go 0-for-17 with RISP in the game, stranding 25 base runners in the process, but Seattle’s solo home runs proved to be the difference.  The Twins hope to find a little more in offense in an unlikely place, Oakland, as the teams open a 4-game series at McAfee Coliseum Monday night.  Anthony Swarzak gets the start for Minnesota.

Record: 28-30

June 8^th: A’s 4, Twins 3

The Twins found a new and different way to lose on Friday night, as a control pitcher completely lost his control, leading to the Twins blowing their 3-0 lead and losing 4-3 in Oakland to open the 4-game series.  Anthony Swarzak was that aforementioned control pitcher, who breezed through the 1^st 3 innings without allowing a run as he was staked to a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 4^th inning.  Swarzak then had a complete meltdown, throwing the first 10 pitches out of the strike zone in walking the 1^st 2 batters of the inning.  After an out and another walk to load the bases, Jack Hannahan doubled to left-center field, scoring 3 and tying the game.  Swarzak would not finish the 4^th inning, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings.  Luis Ayala relieved Swarzak, but his 1^st pitch in the bottom half of the 5^th inning resulted in a 450-foot drive by A’s DH Jack Cust, putting the A’s ahead to stay.  The Twins offense came from unexpected sources, as all 3 runs scored in the 4^th inning after Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau were retired for the 1^st 2 outs of the inning.  Michael Cuddyer singled, Brendan Harris walked, and Delmon Young singled in the infield to load the bases, then Carlos Gomez (.220 batting average) shockingly took a bases-loaded walk to force in the game’s 1^st run.  Matt Tolbert (.185 BA) followed with a 2-run single, and the Twins gained a 3-0 lead.  Unfortunately, given Swarzak’s unexpected control problems, the lead wouldn’t last long.  The Twins look to end their 3-game losing streak Tuesday night, and send Scott Baker to the mound to get it done.

Record: 28-31

June 9^th: Twins 10, A’s 5

The Twins emphatically snapped out of their road slump, as Scott Baker pitched into the 9^th inning and received plenty of offensive support, as the Twins routed Oakland 10-5 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Baker allowed only 2 baserunners until allowing the 1^st 3 A’s to reach in the 9^th, finishing with a line of 8+ innings, 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, 8 strikeouts, and a much-deserved W.  The Twins got on the board early as Delmon Young drove in the 1^st of his 3 RBI in the 2^nd inning for a 1-0 lead.  Justin Morneau blasted the 1^st pitch of the 6^th inning for his 16^th homer, and Delmon Young drove in the 2^nd run of the inning with a double.  Carlos Gomez followed with a 2-run single for a 5-0 lead.  The Twins put another 4-spot on the board in the 7^th as Jason Kubel hit a monster 3-run homer and Delmon Young drove in another run with a sacrifice fly.  Justin Morneau added a final RBI for the Twins in the 8^th with a single as well.  Jesse Crain allowed 3 more baserunners to reach in the 9^th before being removed, and Jose Mijares walked in 2 more runs as the A’s put 5 runs on the board in the 9^th, turning an impressive Twins victory into an adventure and a save situation for Joe Nathan; fortunately, they had enough of a cushion to pull out the victory.  The Twins look for back-to-back wins on Wednesday night, with Francisco Liriano looking to continue his own personal momentum from his last start in Seattle.

Record: 29-31

June 10^th: Twins 6, A’s 3

The Twins rallied in the 8^th and 9^th innings to erase a late 3-2 deficit and pull out a gutty 6-3 win over the A’s and gain the edge in the 4-game series with 1 game left to play.  Francisco Liriano started and was effective, limiting Oakland to 3 runs on 5 hits, walking 2 and striking out 7.  He had his typical single-inning struggles, this time throwing over 30 pitches in a 2-run A’s 4^th inning that put the Twins behind 3-2.  But Jason Kubel crushed the 1^st pitch he saw from A’s reliever Michael Wuertz directly out to center field for his 9^th homer of the year to tie the game at 3-3.  Joe Crede nearly led off the 9^th with a homer, hitting the top of the wall for a triple.  Delmon Young drove in pinch runner Alexi Casilla with the go-ahead run, then took advantage of A’s reliever Andrew Bailey’s wild pitches to score 2 more runs, the 2^nd of which was driven in by Brendan Harris.  Carlos Gomez got the Twins on the board in the 3^rd inning with an RBI groundout following Mike Redmond’s walk and Matt Tolbert’s double, and Joe Mauer got the 2^nd run home with an RBI single, his 36^th RBI of the season.  Luis Ayala, Jose Mijares, and Matt Guerrier combined to throw 2 hitless innings in relief, and Joe Nathan finished for his 13^th save in 15 chances. The Twins look to close out the series on a winning note in the Thursday matinee finale, with Nick Blackburn getting the start.

Record: 30-31

June 11^th: A’s 4, Twins 3

A fabulous day for Nick Blackburn turned into a difficult defeat as the Twins blew a 3-0 lead for 2^nd time in the series, losing the finale in Oakland 4-3.  Blackburn allowed only 2 hits through 7 1/3 innings before allowing a triple, an RBI single, and a tying 2-run homer before retiring the side in the 8^th inning and leaving with a no-decision.  Sean Henn took the loss after walking the leadoff man in the 9^th, as Matt Guerrier hit the 2^nd man, got an out on a sacrifice, and then gave up the game-winning hit.  All of the Twins offense was supplied in the 4^th inning, as Joe Crede went yard for his 10^th homer, a 3-run shot.  The Twins road trip continues on the North side of Chicago as interleague begins in force.  The Twins make their 1^st trip to Wrigley field since 2001, as Kevin Slowey starts the opening game on Friday afternoon.

Record: 30-32

June 12^th: Twins 7, Cubs 4

Kevin Slowey quickly forgot about his difficult start his last time out and dominated a light-hitting Cubs lineup, and got plenty of support from the Twins’ bats, as the Twins rolled to a 7-4 win at Wrigley field in the opening game of the series.  Slowey lasted 6 innings and allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, with all the scoring coming in the 6^th inning against him, as he improved to 9-2 on the season.  Joe Mauer got the Twins on the board in the 3^rd with a 2-run homer, as he tied his career high with his 13^th homer of the season.  Kevin Slowey grounded into a double play in the 4^th inning with the bases loaded to get another run home, and Brendan Harris followed with an RBI single to put the Twins ahead 4-0.  The Cubbies rallied back in the 6^th with a 3-run inning highlighted by Milton Bradley’s 2-run double, but Kevin Slowey got out of the inning with the lead.  The Twins took advantage of Bradley losing a fly ball in the sun in the next inning to score a 5^th run in the 7^th, and Mauer added a sacrifice fly in the 8^th for his 39^th RBI of the year and 3^rd of the game.  Jason Kubel tacked on the final run with his 10^th homer of the season, and 5^th in the month of June in the 9^th.  Sean Henn, Luis Ayala, Jose Mijares, and Matt Guerrier combined to pitch the 7^th and 8^th innings, and Joe Nathan finished for his 14^th save in 16 chances.  The Twins look to clinch the series on Saturday afternoon, and taking the mound for the Twins likely for the final time before being sent back to Class AAA is Anthony Swarzak.

Record: 31-32

June 13^th: Twins 2, Cubs 0

Anthony Swarzak isn’t going back to the minors quietly.  The rookie right-hander threw 7 shutout innings, and got just enough run support, to lead the Twins past the Cubs 2-0 in the 2^nd game of the series at Wrigley field.  Swarzak threw 100 pitches and allowed a meager 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 6 to improve to 2-2.  Jason Kubel led off the bottom of the 2^nd against Cubs starter Rich Harden with a blast onto Sheffield Avenue past the right field bleacher seats, his 11^th homer of the year and 2^nd of the series, to get the Twins on the board.  Joe Mauer drove in Nick Punto with the 2^nd run of the game in the 3^rd inning, which would prove to be the final run of the game.  The Twins went down in order in their last 4 innings of batting, but the Cubs went 1-2-3 in 4 innings as well, getting 2 men on base just once against Swarzak.  The first 2 batter reached for the Cubs in the 9^th inning against Joe Nathan, but following a sacrifice, Nathan picked up a strikeout and a flyout to record his 15^th save in 17 chances this season.  The Twins go for the sweep on Sunday afternoon, with Scott Baker looking to repeat his solid start from his last time out.

Record: 32-32

June 14^th: Cubs 3, Twins 2

Ryan Theriot’s bases-loaded single off Jesse Crain through a drawn-in infield won it for the Cubs, defeating the Twins 3-2 to avoid the sweep.  Scott Baker started and threw 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits, but was matched pitch-for-pitch by Cubs starter Ted Lilly, who ended up going 8 innings and allowing just 2 runs as well.  The Twins got on the board in the 2^nd as Carlos Gomez doubled, stole 3^rd, and scored on an RBI bunt single by Nick Punto.  The Cubs put together 2 doubles each in the 2^nd and 4^th innings to take a 2-1, but Gomez homered with 2 outs in the 6^th to tie the game once more.  Luis Ayala pitched a scoreless 8^th inning, but the offense failed to score with 2 men on in both the 8^th and 9^th innings.  Crain retired the 1^st batter he faced in the 9^th before allowing 2 singles.  Following an intentional walk to load the bases, Theriot singled past Nick Punto and into right field to win it for Chicago.  Following a 5-5 road trip and an off-day on Monday, the Twins return home to face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday evening as interleague play continues.  Glen Perkins makes his 1^st start since going on the disabled list on May 18^th in the opening game.

Record: 32-33

June 16^th: Twins 8, Pirates 2

Joe Mauer’s hit parade continued with a 4-hit effort, and Glen Perkins shone in his return from the disabled list, as the Twins opened the 3-game series with a rout of Pittsburgh, 8-2.  Perkins pitched into jams but got key outs when he needed them, inducing a bases-loaded double play and allowing on 2 runs on 7 hits over 6 innings, with the lone runs scoring on a 2-run 3^rd inning homer from Pirates OF Nyjer Morgan.  The Twins offense pounded Pirates starter Paul Maholm for 8 runs on 14 hits, as Mauer led the way with 3 singles and a double, an RBI and 2 runs scored, improving his average to .429.  Joe Crede, Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, and Carlos Gomez each added 2 hits apiece; with Cuddyer and Brendan Harris each scoring a pair of runs each.  The Twins look to continue the momentum on Wednesday evening, with Francisco Liriano getting the start.

Record: 33-33

June 17^th: Pirates 8, Twins 2

One night after demolishing the Pirates, the favored was returned unto the Twins, as Francisco Liriano and the Twins bullpen were victims of the long ball in an 8-2 loss to Pittsburgh in the 2^nd game of the series, as the Twins once again failed to get over the .500 mark for the first time since May 14th.  Liriano allowed 8 hits, including 2 2-run homers that accounted for all 4 runs he would allow over 7 innings, as his record fell to 2-8.  Sean Henn wasn’t much better, allowing a solo homer and 2 walks before departing after recording just 1 out in the 8^th inning.  Luis Ayala allowed both of those runs to score in a double, as well as another run in the 9^th.  Joe Crede produced all of Minnesota’s offense in the 3^rd with a 2-run double, as the Twins failed on numerous opportunities to get back into the game.  Trailing 4-2 in the 6^th, Michael Cuddyer tripled with 1 out, then was caught in a rundown and tagged out on a ground ball right back to the pitcher by Delmon Young.  The Twins then loaded the bases with 1 out in the 7^th, and then saw the rally fail as Jason Kubel struck out and Joe Crede tapped back to the pitcher.  The Twins look to take the series in the Thursday afternoon finale, and send Nick Blackburn to the hill to do it.

Record: 33-34

June 18^th: Twins 5, Pirates 1

Nick Blackburn dominated all game long, and Brian Buscher made the most of a rare start at DH with a 2-run homer, as the Twins defeated the Pirates 5-1 to win the series.  Blackburn threw the 1^st complete game of the season for the Twins allowing, just a single run on 6 hits and 1 walk with 2 strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 3.09 and winning his 6^th game of the year.  Justin Morneau double to the gap in left-center field to plate Brendan Harris with the 1^st run in the 1^st, then he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the 3^rd to score the 2^nd run.  Michael Cuddyer powered his 10^th home run of the season deep to center field in the 6th, and Buscher capped the Twins scoring with a 2-run blast in the 9^th.  The Pirates put together 2 hits and a run in the 9^th, but Blackburn wasn’t to be denied this time.  The Twins now welcome the Houston Astros into town as interleague, and the Twins homestand, continues.  Kevin Slowey starts the opening game on Friday night.

Record: 34-34

June 19^th: Twins 5, Astros 2

Kevin Slowey outdueled Roy Oswalt in a battle of aces as the Twins beat the Astros 5-2 in the opening game of the 3-game series.  Slowey threw 6 innings and allowed just 1 run in 3 hits, walking 4 and striking out 6 on the way to his 10^th victory of the season.  Delmon Young led the way with 2 hits and 2 RBI, and Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau each had an RBI, with Jason Kubel and Cuddyer each adding 2 hits apiece.  Joe Nathan finished for his 16^th save of the year.  The Twins look to clinch the series on Saturday night behind Scott Baker.

Record: 35-34

June 20^th: Astros 6, Twins 5

In an unusual display of power, the Twins lost a seesaw affair in a game that featured 6 home runs, 4 by Minnesota, in Houston’s 6-5 win at the Dome.  Scott Baker got the start and pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, striking out 6; he was in position to pick up the win, but Sean Henn couldn’t hold the lead in the 7^th.  Henn came on with the Twins ahead 3-2 and the tying run on 1^st, then proceeded to allow a game-tying RBI double and a go-ahead 2-run homer, leading to his 3^rd loss of the season.  The Twins got solo homers from Brendan Harris, Delmon Young, and Joe Mauer in building their initial 3-1 lead, then got a 2-run homer from Jason Kubel to cut the ‘Stros lead late to 6-5.  But Joe Crede flew out to right field with Jose Morales on 2^nd base in the 9^th, failing to tie the game.  The Twins look to win the rubber game in the Sunday finale, sending Glen Perkins to the hill to do it.

Record: 35-35

June 21^st: Astros 4, Twins 1

Wandy Rodriguez and the Astros’ bullpen shut down the Twins’ punchless offense from start to finish, outdueling Glenn Perkins in Houston’s series-clinching 4-1 win in the Sunday finale.  Perkins allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in the 1^st inning, but allowed just 5 hits and 1 run over his final 6 innings of work.  Michael Cuddyer’s first-pitch home run was the only run the Twins could get off Rodriguez, who’s only other hit allowed came from Brian Buscher’s single in the 7^th.  The Twins look to get back on track on the road as a 9-game road trip begins on Tuesday after a day off, in Milwaukee.  The Twins send Francisco Liriano to the mound, looking to improve his 2-8 record.

Record: 35-36

June 23^rd: Twins 7, Brewers 3

Francisco Liriano battled through 5 tough innings and 117 pitches to earn his 3rd win of the season, and the offense provided all the run support in the 1st 3 innings, as the Twins took the opening game of the road trip in Milwaukee 7-3. Liriano allowed 3 runs on 7 hits with 6 strikeouts but also 5 walks. The Twins took advantage of a wild pitch on a strikeout by Brewers starter Jeff Suppan to keep the 1st inning alive for Joe Crede, who cleared the bases with a 3-run double for an early 3-0 lead. Brendan Harris singled home Carlos Gomez in the 2nd to answer the Brewers' 2-run 1st, and after the Brewers got that run back, the Twins extended the lead to 7-3 in the 3rd as a costly Brewers error led to an RBI double from Delmon Young and a 2-run single by Gomez. R.A. Dickey, Matt Guerrier, and Joe Nathan easily set down the side in the final 4 innings, allowing a total of 1 hit with 4 strikeouts.

Record: 36-36

June 24^th: Brewers 4, Twins 3

A pair of 8th inning errors on a single play cost the Twins the game as the Brewers rallied past Minnesota by a final of 4-3 in the 2nd game of the series. Nick Blackburn threw all 8 innings and allowed 4 runs, only 3 earned, on 11 hits, losing just his 3rd decision of '09. Carlos Gomez continued his hot-hitting with a leadoff triple and then scored on Brendan Harris' sacrifice fly, and the Twins broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th as Jason Kubel hit his 13th homer and Michael Cuddyer and Joe Crede followed with back-to-back doubles. But with J.J. Hardy on 1st and 2 out in the 8th and the Twins leading 3-2, craziness ensued that ended with Minnesota behind 4-3. Jason Kendall doubled off the top of the left field wall, and relay man Brendan Harris throw home was off target, allowing Kendall to go for 3rd. Blackburn, backing up the play, attempted to throw out Kendall at 3rd, but overthrew Joe Crede as the ball sailed into left field, with Kendall scoring the go-ahead run.

Record: 36-37

June 25^th: Twins 6, Brewers 4

The Twins rebounded from a tough loss the previous night with a solid 6-4 win in the series' rubber game behind 6 solid innings from Scott Baker. Baker allowed 3 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 5 to pick up win number 5 of '09. Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer drove in runs for a 2-0 lead in the 4th, and the Twins added single runs in the 5th and 6th to lead 4-0. Denard Span returned from the DL, tripling and scoring, and Joe Crede hit his 11th homer. After the Brewers homered twice to get within 4-3, the Twins answered right back with a 2-run 7th, with a walk, single, passed ball, and RBI double from Jason Kubel providing the 2 runs. R.A. Dickey picked up his 1st hold with a scoreless 7th, Matt Guerrier allowed a home run but held in the 8th, and Joe Nathan finished for his 17th save.

Record: 37-37

June 26^th: Twins 3, Cardinals 1

Glen Perkins had his way with the St. Louis lineup for 7 innings, and got the benefit of early run support, en route to a 3-1 Twins win in the road series opener. Perkins allowed 1 run on just 4 hits, finally picking up his 3rd win of the season. The Twins rallied with 2 outs in the 1st, as Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau walked, Jason Kubel drove in a run with a single, and another run scored as Michael Cuddyer reached on an error. Cuddyer also drove home Kubel in the 6th for a 3-0 lead. Matt Guerrier got just one out in the 8th and allowed 2 hits, but Jose Mijares induced a double play to get out of trouble, and Joe Nathan finished for his 18th save.

Record: 38-37

June 27^th: Cardinals 5, Twins 3

Kevin Slowey wilted in the St. Louis heat, lasting just 3 innings, and the offense couldn't solve the stellar Cardinals bullpen, as the Cardinals took the 2nd game of the series by a final of 5-3. Slowey allowed 5 runs on 6 hits before leaving, preventing him from becoming the league's 1st 11-game winner. The Twins rallied for a 3-2 lead in the 2nd as Brendan Harris cleared the bases with a rare 3-run single, as the ball was deflected in the outfield. Recently-recalled journeyman Bob Keppel was stellar in relief of Slowey with 4 shutout innings. But Albert Pujols homered twice, and the Twins never found the answer.

Record: 38-38

June 28^th: Twins 6, Cardinals 2

Francisco Liriano was his vintage self, shutting down the St. Louis lineup over 7 solid innings to lead the Twins to 6-2 win and a series victory. Liriano allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, with just 2 walks and 6 strikeouts to win his 2nd start in a row and 4th game of '09. The Twins scored 3 1st-inning runs as Justin Morneau crushed his 17th homer, and Brendan Harris' 2 RBI singles and sacrifice fly completed Minnesota's scoring to ease Liriano to victory.

Record: 39-38

June 29^th: Royals 4, Twins 2

The Twins had no answer for Luke Hochevar, who outdueled Nick Blackburn in the host Royals' 4-2 over Minnesota in the series opener. Blackburn allowed 10 hits and 3 runs (2 earned) over 6 innings, but Hochevar gave the Twins nothing (2 hits) over 7 innings. Justin Morneau's 8-inning 2-run homer, his 18th, cut the Royals lead in half and ended the shutout, but it wasn't enough to get the Twins back in the game.

Record: 39-39

June 30^th: Twins 2, Royals 1

Scott Baker slogged through 5 innings to pick up his 6th win, the bullpen stranded several Kansas City runners, and the Twins got just enough offense to eke out a win by a final of 2-1 in the 2nd game of the series. It took 111 pitches for Baker to make it through his 5 frames, though he allowed just 1 run on 5 hits, as several Royals had long at-bats against him. Justin Morneau tied the game in the 4th with his 19th homer of the year, his 3rd consecutive game with a homer, and the Twins took advantage of a throwing to score the go-ahead run on sacrifice fly in the 6th. Despite going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, the Twins got the win anyway, thanks to the bullpen and the Royals' inability to hit with RISP as well (2-for-11). Bob Keppel continued his stellar relief with 2 1/3 scoreless innings, and Jose Mijares and Matt Guerrier effectively bridged the gap to Joe Nathan, who finished for his 20th save.

Record: 40-39

July 1^st: Twins 5, Royals 1

Glen Perkins scatted 10 hits in allowing only 1 run over 7 innings for the 2nd straight start to pick up his 4th win, and he received plenty of run support en route to a 5-1 Twins win, as the Twins completed a winning series and a 6-3 road trip, and reached 2 games over .500 for the 1st time in '09. Michael Cuddyer got the Twins on the board in the 2nd with his 10th home run of the season, and he, Joe Mauer, and Matt Tolbert each added RBIs as Perkins cruised. R.A. Dickey got 5 outs and Joe Nathan 1 (his 21st save) to finish the win.

Record: 41-39

July 3^rd: Tigers 11, Twins 9, in 16 innings

This time, it was the Tigers who pulled out the marathon at the Metrodome, outlasting Minnesota 11-9 in a 16-inning epic Central Division battle. Kevin Slowey started and lasted just 3 innings for the 2nd consecutive start, allowing 6 earned runs on 5 hits before leaving with pain in his wrist (he was placed on the disabled list after the game). The offense got him off the hook though, rallying back from a 7-1 4th-inning deficit with a run in the 4th and 5 more in the 6th to tie the game. Joe Crede began the 6th-inning rally with a solo homer to cut Detroit's lead to 7-3. Following a single, a groundout, and a walk, Denard Span plated 2 runs with a triple, then scored on Brendan Harris' triple to close the Twins within 7-6. Joe Mauer tied the game with a sacrifice fly to complete the rally. Neither team could then score until the 14th inning. Brian Duensing allowed just a solo home run over 3 2/3 innings, and Bob Keppel, Joe Nathan, Matt Guerrier, and Jose Mijares combined for 6 1/3 shutout innings, but Detroit's 'pen was just as good. Placido Polanco finally broke the tie in the 14th with an RBI single, but the Twins rallied right back. After Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau led off the bottom of the inning with back-to-back singles, Michael Cuddyer singled home Mauer to tie the game. But Morneau was thrown out trying to go to 3rd base, crippling the rally. Cuddyer was stranded on 3rd as the inning ended. Polanco broke the 8-8 tie in the 16th with anothe RBI single, and this time Detroit added 2 more runs for a 3-run lead against R.A. Dickey, who was in his 3rd inning in relief. The Twins weren't done yet, scoring a run in the bottom of the 16th, but couldn't rally back once more.

Record: 41-40

July 4^th: Twins 4, Tigers 3

The Twins bounced back in a big way from a heart-breaking defeat in the opening game of the series, rallying from a 3-2 deficit to slip past Detroit 4-3 in the 2nd game of the series. Francisco Liriano started and pitched 7 effective innings, limiting the Tigers to 3 runs on 5 hits, the big blow coming on Magglio Ordonez's 3-run 7th inning homer that temporarily put the Tigers ahead 3-2. Michael Cuddyer hit his 13th homer leading off the 4th inning, and Justin Morneau hit his 20th homer in the 5th for a 2-0 lead. Undeterred by being behind for the 1st time in the game, the Twins rallied to tie the game in the 7th and to take the lead in the 8th. Denard Span singled, went to 2nd on Joe Mauer's single, and scored on Morneau's RBI single to tie the game at 3-3 in the 7th. Brian Buscher led off the 8th with a single, and pinch runner Matt Tolbert took 2nd on a groundout. Nick Punto then drove him home with a go-ahead RBI single for a 4-3 Twins lead. Matt Guerrier threw a shutout inning to improve to 4-0, and Joe Nathan finished for his 22nd save.

Record: 42-40

July 5^th: Twins 6, Tigers 2

Nick Blackburn came within 2 outs of his 1st major league shutout, and the Twins scored all 6 runs in the 4th inning against Rick Porcello, as the Twins took the finale 6-2, and the series. Blackburn allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits to earn his 7th win of '09. The 4th inning onslaught began with a 1-out 2-run homer from Justin Morneau, his 21st, and Delmon Young drove in a run with a single for a 3-0 lead. The floodgates then opened on an infield hit to short by Denard Span with the bases loaded that Tigers and ex-Twins shortstop Adam Everett threw into right field, scoring all 3 runs and blowing the game wide open. Blackburn cruised into the 9th before allowing Brandon Inge's 2-run homer, but it was too little too late for Detroit as the Twins took the series.

Record: 43-40

July 7^th: Yankees 10, Twins 2

Scott Baker failed to get an out in the 4th inning, and the Twins were dominated by old nemesis C.C. Sabathia, as the Yankees routed the Twins 10-2 in the opening game at the Dome. Baker allowed 5 runs on 9 hits in 3+ innings. Michael Cuddyer hit his 14th homer and Brendan Harris had an RBI single for the Twins' only offense.

Record: 43-41

July 8^th: Yankees 4, Twins 3

Anthony Swarzak, making a spot start for Kevin Slowey, struggled in his return from the minors, and the Twins couldn't quite get enough offense to rally back, falling to the Yankees in the 2nd game of the series by a final of 4-3. Swarzak only lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. He was bailed out tremendously by Bob Keppel, who threw 3 2/3 shutout innings and stranded 2 more runners in the 5th. After once agains falling behind 3-0 in the 2nd, the Twins got 2 runs back in the 3rd as Denard Span singled with 2 outs, stole 2nd, and scored on consecutive wild pitches by A.J. Burnett, and Joe Mauer hit an RBI double. Joe Mauer also homered in the 7th to pull the Twins within 4-3. But once again the Twins came up short, which once again had no answer for Mariana Rivera as he picked up a 4-out save.

Record: 43-42

July 9^th: Yankees 6, Twins 4

And for the 3rd straight night, and 7th time this season, the Twins came up short against the Yankees, this time losing 6-4. Francisco Liriano started and struggled just like the previous Twins starters, allowing 6 runs (just 3 earned) on 7 hits over 5 1/3 innings, also failing to prevent the Twins from falling behind 3-0 in the 2nd inning. Jason Kubel hit his 14th homer in the 2nd to get the Twins on the board, and the Twins got within 3-2 as another run scored on a throwing error. Two bases-loaded walks in the 4th got the Twins within 5-4, but once again they had no answer for the Yankee bullpen, who shut down Minnesota over their final 5 2/3 innings of batting.

Record: 43-43

July 10^th: Twins 6, White Sox 4

The Twins bounced back from a difficult previous series with a solid opening game win against Chicago, 6-4. Nick Blackburn got staked to an early 4-0 lead and succeeded in getting through 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits in picking up his 8th win of the season. The 1st 4 Twins batters walked against Sox starter John Danks, and Jason Kubel's ground-rule double put the Twins ahead 3-0. Michael Cuddyer followed with a RBI single as the Twins took a 4-0 1st inning lead. The Sox rallied with single runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th innings, but the Twins pulled back ahead in the 7th as Joe Mauer's RBI single gave the Twins a 5-4 lead. An insurance run scored in the 8th as well, thanks to Carlos Gomez's RBI single. Matt Guerrier pitched the 8th for his 17th hold, and Joe Nathan finished for his 23rd save.

Record: 44-43

July 11^th: White Sox 8, Twins 7

The Twins rally came up just short, as perennial Twins killer Jim Thome's crushing 3-run 6th-inning double held up in the Sox's 8-7 win in the 2nd game of the series. Glen Perkins was hammered by the Sox offense, lasting just 4 1/3 innings and allowing 5 runs on 8 hits to fall to 4-5. Trailing 5-0, ex-Sox 3rd baseman Joe Crede got the Twins on the board with a 3-run homer, but the Twins immediately fell behind 5 runs again in the 6th thanks to Thome's double. The Twins rallied once more as Joe Crede homered again (his 14th) and Joe Mauer's RBI groundout got the Twins to within 8-5. The 9th inning rally started against Bobby Jenks as the Twins loaded the bases on a single, fielding error, and hit by pitch with 1 out. Jose Morales singled in 2 runs to close the Twins to 8-7 and putting the winning run on 1st. But Denard Span bounced into a game-ending double play to kill the rally.

Record: 44-44

July 12^th: Twins 13, White Sox 7

The Twins knocked Sox starter out of the game in the 4th inning, and Scott Baker was good enough for the victory, as the Twins routed the Sox 13-7 to take the series and go into the All-Star Break with some momentum. Baker pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, the big blast coming on a 3-run homer from Jim Thome. The Twins jumped out to a big lead, and benefited from some unusual power sources, as Denard Span led off the game with a homer, his 5th of the year. Carlos Gomez smashed a 3-run homer in the 2nd inning for a 4-0 lead, just his 2nd homer, and Brendan Harris hit his 5th homer, a 2-run shot in the 4th to put the Twins ahead 8-1. Still, Baker's struggles and some tense times in the 7th inning made for some drama. Matt Guerrier came into the 7th inning, and was able to retire Jermaine Dye with the bases loaded to hold an 8-5 lead. The Twins then blew the game open in the bottom half of the 7^th with 5 runs, as the Twins got 3 hits, including a 2-run single from Gomez, a hit-by-pitch, a walk, and a fielding error. Guerrier allowed an unearned run in the 8th and Bob Keppel allowed his 1st earned run of the season in the 9th inning, but the game was well enough in hand for Minnesota at that point.

Record: 45-44

July 17^th: Twins 5, Rangers 3

Glen Perkins battled through 5 strong innings, and the Twins got offensive contributions from Carlos Gomez and Jason Kubel as they rallied past Texas to win by a final of 5-3.  Perkins allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, with all the runs coming off the bat of Rangers All-Star CF Josh Hamilton (2-run homer, RBI single).  The bullpen did the rest: Bob Keppel continued his stellar relief with 2 shutout innings with 3 K’s, Jose Mijares and Matt Guerrier combined for a shutout 8^th, and Joe Nathan finished for his 24^th save.  Gomez’s 2-out 2-run triple tied the game at 2 in the 2^nd inning, and Kubel put the Twins ahead to stay in the 3^rd inning with a 3-run blast as the Twins offense roughed up Rangers starter Vicente Padilla, who allowed 5 runs on 11 hits over 7 innings.  The Twins look to clinch the series on Saturday, with Scott Baker getting the start.

Record: 46-44

July 18^th: Twins 4, Rangers 1

Scott Baker shut down the tough Rangers lineup over 8 solid innings, and Michael Cuddyer doubled, homered, and drove in 2 runs, leading the Twins to a 4-1 win in the 2^nd game of the series in Arlington, Texas.  Baker allowed just 1 run on 6 hits, walking 2 and striking out 8, throwing 114 pitches.  Cuddyer’s RBI double got the Twins on the board in the 2^nd, and Carlos Gomez drove him in for a 2-0 lead.  Cuddyer’s 5^th inning solo homer, his 15^th of the season, gave the Twins a 3-1 lead, and Justin Morneau added some insurance with an 8^th inning RBI single, his 71^st RBI of ’09.  Joe Nathan finished the game for his 25^th save, and 2^nd of the series.  The Twins look for the sweep on Sunday night, and Francisco Liriano takes the hill for Minnesota, looking for a similar late-season performance to ’08, and to erase the memories of a difficult 1^st half of this season.

Record: 47-44

July 19^th: Rangers 5, Twins 3, in 12 innings

Ian Kinsler’s 2^nd home run of the game in the 12^th inning sent the Rangers home happy as they avoided the 1^st sweep by the Twins in Texas since 1976 with a 5-3 walkoff win.  Francisco Liriano got the start for Minnesota and pitched a solid inning, lasting 6+ innings and allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 6.  Liriano struggled with command a lot of the night, and repeatedly pitched into trouble in the later innings, eventually costing himself a win (along with lackluster run support, and ongoing theme this season for Liriano).  Nick Punto tied the game at 1 in the 3^rd inning with his 1^st home run of the season, and Denard Span and Alexi Casilla had RBIs in the 4^th as the Twins led 3-1.  But Liriano’s struggles began in the 5^th, as he proceeded to allow multiple baserunners in the next 3 innings.  A passed ball by Joe Mauer cost the Twins an unearned run in the 5^th to cut their lead to 3-2.  Nick Punto turned a fluky unassisted double play in the 6^th to get the Twins out of trouble, but Liriano gave up 2 hits leading off the 7^th and was removed.  Bob Keppel allowed the runner from 2^nd to score to tie the game, but stranded the go-ahead run at 3^rd to keep the game tied.  Following a shutout 8^th by Keppel, Matt Guerrier pitched 2 shutout innings, stranding the winning run at 3^rd in the 9^th.  Rookie Brian Duensing pitched a shutout 11^th before giving up a leadoff hit in the 12^th, which eventually come around to score on Kinsler’s homer off R.A. Dickey.  The Twins offense managed just 2 hits and 2 walks over their final 8 innings of batting, striking out 9 times in the process.  Still, the Twins won the series and got the 10-game road trip off on the right foot, and look to continue the momentum as a 3-game series begins in Oakland on Monday night.  Nick Blackburn gets the start in the opening game.

Record: 47-45

July 20^th: A’s 14, Twins 13

No one can ever say they’re surprised by anything in baseball tonight.  Here’s a quick rundown of some statistics for the Twins and their hitters: Justin Morneau: 3-5, 2 homers, 7 RBI, 4 runs; Jason Kubel: 3-3, homer, 4 RBI, run, 3 walks; Michael Cuddyer: 4-5, homer, 3 runs, RBI; Twins as a team: 13 runs, 17 hits, 7-13 with RISP, 12-2 lead in the 3^rd inning.  All of that should add up to a win, correct?  Right?!  Unfortunately, that was not the case on the evening of July 20^th, 2009.  Nick Blackburn’s sinker never sunk all night, as he allowed 7 runs on 12 hits over 5 innings.  But he also didn’t walk anyone, and left the game with a healthy 13-7 lead.  Somehow, the bullpen, productive for most of the last month and a half, completely fell apart, just as it did at various points last season (i.e. last August in Seattle).  After a shutout 6^th inning, Brian Duensing gave up a walk and 2 singles before getting an out and departing.  Bob Keppel took over with the bases loaded and the Twins still leading 13-7.  Orlando Cabrera greeted him with a gift 2-run double to cut the lead to 13-9, and following a walk to Scott Hairston to re-load the bases, Matt Holliday hit his 2^nd homer of the game, a grand slam to right-center to tie the game at 13-13.  Jose Mijares relieved, only to give up a go-ahead solo homer on the 1^st pitch to Jack Cust; A’s lead 14-13.  Brendan Harris led off the 8^th with a single, but Mike Redmond grounded into a double play to kill the threat.  In the 9^th, Nick Punto and Morneau struck out before Cuddyer doubled to put the tying run on 2^nd.  An intentional walk to Jason Kubel putting the tying on 1^st base, as the speedy Carlos Gomez took over for him as a pinch runner.  Then, with Delmon Young at the plate, the unthinkable happened. A’s reliever Michael Wuertz threw a pitch in the dirt that bounced off catcher Kurt Suzuki’s glove and high in the air behind him in foul territory.  Cuddyer flew around 3^rd base trying to score.  Suzuki found the ball and got the ball to Wuertz covering with Cuddyer less than 10 feet from the plate.  The replay appeared to show Cuddyer clearing beating the tag, but the umpire ruled him out.  Cuddyer and manager Ron Gardenhire vehemently argued the call, with Cuddyer slamming down his helmet in disgust.  But there wasn’t anything either of them could do about it; the game at ended in a 14-13 defeat, the Twins’ largest blown lead since 1984, and the largest A’s comeback since 1925.  Somehow, the Twins have to take the field Tuesday night in the 2^nd game of the series, and Anthony Swarzak looks to get the Twins back on track with a solid start tonight, keeping Kevin Slowey’s spot until he is able to return from a wrist injury.

Record: 47-46

July 21^st: Twins 3, A’s 2, in 10 innings

The Twins quickly forgot about the demoralizing defeat from the previous night by rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Oakland 3-2 in 10 innings.  Anthony Swarzak gave the Twins bullpen a huge lift with a shutdown 7-inning performance, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits, walking 3 and striking out 4.  Matt Guerrier pitched 2 innings for the victory to improve to 5-0 and lower his ERA to 2.18, and Joe Nathan closed out the 10^th for his 26^th save.  After the Twins fell behind 2-0 in the 3^rd inning, Delmon Young’s RBI triple got the Twins on the board in the 4^th.  Young came in to score the tying run on Nick Punto’s sacrifice fly.  A’s starter Dallas Braden was just as good as Swarzak, and it came down to a battle of the bullpens.  Fortunately for Minnesota, Michael Cuddyer was able to bring in Joe Mauer all the way from 1^st with an RBI triple of his own in the 10^th, and the Twins held on from there.  Glen Perkins looks to give the Twins a series victory in the Wednesday finale.

Record: 48-46

July 22^nd: A’s 16, Twins 1

Justin Morneau’s 24^th homer of ’09 in the 1^st inning gave the Twins a 1-0 lead… and then it all came crashing down, way, way down.  Glen Perkins didn’t get an out in the 2^nd inning in allowing 8 runs, and Kevin Mulvey wasn’t much better in relief, as the Twins were blown out of the water early by the A’s, falling behind 12-1 in the 2^nd inning on the way to a 16-1 loss in the finale of the series.  Perkins gave up 6 hits and 3 walks in 1+ innings, leaving after giving up a 3-run homer to put the Twins behind 8-1.  Mulvey allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in his 1 inning of work as well.  R.A. Dickey ate up 4 1/3 innings and allowed 4 more runs (3 earned) on 5 hits, and Brian Duensing actually shut out Oakland over 1 2/3 innings.  Morneau’s solo blast was the lone offensive highlight for Minnesota, who would have had a 2-run homer if not for Denard Span being caught stealing one pitch prior to the homer.  Span made a nice catch to rob a homer defensively as well; in the end, it was laughably not enough.  Now 3-3 on the 10-game road trip, the Twins seek to end the trip on a high note, and enter Los Angeles on Thursday night for the start of a 4-game series against the Angels.  Scott Baker gets the start for the Twins.

Record: 48-47

July 23^rd: Angels 6, Twins 5, in 10 innings

And so the road trip continues to go from bad to worse.  Joe Nathan walked and hit a batter in the 9^th inning en route to just his 3^rd blown save of the year, and Jesse Crain didn’t improve much from his earlier stint with the Twins in his 1^st appearance since being recalled from Class AAA, taking the loss in the Twins’ depressing 6-5 10^th-inning loss to the Angels in the opening game of the series.  Scott Baker got the start and labored through 5 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, walking 3 and striking out 6, putting himself and the Twins in position for a victory.  Jason Kubel got the Twins off and running with a 2-run homer in the 1^st following a Joe Mauer RBI double, his 17^th of the year as the Twins took a 3-0 lead.  The Twins added key insurance later as Kubel and Mauer later added RBI singles as the Twins took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the 9^th.  But Nathan walked the leadoff hitter, then hit a batter to put 2 runners on with 1 out.  With 2 out, Gary Matthews singled to close the Angels to within 5-4, then Howie Kendrick dribbled a single up the middle that literally bounced off of 2^nd base, enabling the tying run to score.  Jesse Crain then gave up 2 hits in the 10^th to ensure the loss.  Francisco Liriano starts the 2^nd game of the series.

Record: 48-48

July 24^th: Angels 6, Twins 3

Francisco Liriano was done in by the long ball as the Angels hit 3 homers en route to a 6-3 win over the Twins in the 2^nd game of the series, as the Twins lost for the 5^th time in 6 games.  Liriano allowed 6 runs on 8 hits over 5 1/3 innings, with a 3-run homer by Mike Napoli putting the game out of reach in the 6^th and knocking Liriano out of the game.  Joe Mauer homered twice, his 16^th and 17^th homers of ’09, but both were only solo shots as the Twins struggled to get baserunners against John Lackey.  Brian Buscher drove in a run in the 9^th as well, but the game was already in hand for Los Angeles.  Desperately looking to get back on track and end the road trip on a high note, the Twins send Nick Blackburn to the mound for Saturday’s game.

Record: 48-49

July 25^th: Angels 11, Twins 5

Once again, everything unraveled for Minnesota in a single inning.  After jumping to a 2-0 lead in the 3^rd, Nick Blackburn imploded in the 4^th, as the Angels dropped 9 runs on the Twins in the inning en route to an 11-5 thumping in the 3^rd game of the series.  Blackburn allowed 6 runs on 6 hits over just 3 2/3 innings, further taxing an already beleaguered bullpen.  R.A. Dickey allowed a 3-run homer before the inning concluded, and the Twins were in a 9-2 hole.  Jason Kubel gave the Twins the early lead with his 18^th homer of the year, and then later added an RBI double.  Another run scored on an error, and Brian Buscher picked up his 11^th RBI of ’09 with a single in the 7^th.  The Twins look to avoid the sweep in the Sunday finale, sending Anthony Swarzak to the hill to do it.

Record: 48-50

July 26^th: Twins 10, Angels 1

The Twins took out a week’s worth of frustration on Sunday, dominating the Angels from start to finish in a 10-1 rout to avoid a 4-game sweep.  Anthony Swarzak got the start and shutdown a red-hot Angels lineup for 6 2/3 innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits and throwing 122 pitches to save a fatigued Twins bullpen.  Justin Morneau got the offense off and running in the 1^st with a 2-run homer, and the Twins added 4 more in the 4^th as Nick Punto and Denard Span drove in a pair of runs each with 2-run singles.  Punto added an RBI double in the 6^th, and Morneau homered again in the 7^th, taking over the American League lead in home runs with 26.  Span completed the scoring with a 2-run homer of his own in the 8^th, his 6^th.  Finally headed home after completing a 4-6 road trip, the Twins return to the Metrodome for a 6-game homestand beginning Monday night with a 3-game set against the rival White Sox.  Glen Perkins looks to rebound from his miserable last start, and starts the opening game.

Record: 49-50

July 27^th: Twins 4, White Sox 3

Glen Perkins rebounded from his previous disastrous start with 7 solid innings, and Michael Cuddyer hit a go-ahead 2-run homer in the 6^th, to carry the Twins to a 4-3 win over the White Sox in the opening game of the series.  Perkins allowed 3 runs, all on 2 homers, on 6 hits to win his 6^th game of the year.  A crazy 2^nd inning netted the Twins 2 runs, as the White Sox committed a passed ball and 2 errors.  Cuddyer’s 2-run homer was his 17^th of the year, giving the Twins the lead.  Minnesota also got stellar defense, and Carlos Gomez held onto a ball in the 1^st inning after colliding with Denard Span, Brendan Harris made a nice catch on a line drive at 3^rd base, and Span made a possible home run-saving catch in the 9^th to preserve the Twins lead.  Matt Guerrier pitched a scoreless 8^th for his 21^st hold, and Joe Nathan finished for his 27^th save of ’09.  The Twins look for their 3^rd straight win Tuesday evening, sending surging Scott Baker to the mound.

Record: 50-50

July 28^th: Twins 5, White Sox 3

Scott Baker followed Glen Perkins with a solid start for Minnesota, and the Twins finally ended Mark Buehrle’s streak of consecutive batters retired at 45 and ended up defeating him in the process, as the Twins took the 2^nd game of the series against the rival White Sox by a final of 5-3.  Baker lasted 6 innings and allowed just 1 run on 4 hits with no walks and 6 strikeouts, but was removed early due to a high pitch count (115).  Buehrle retired the first 17 Twins batters until Alexi Casilla walked, and the Denard Span broke up the no-hit bid with a single to center.  Joe Mauer then tied the game at 1 with an RBI ground-rule double.  The Twins added 4 more runs on 3 hits, 3 walks and a hit-by-pitch in the 7^th inning to break out to a 5-1 lead.  Michael Cuddyer was a hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and Joe Crede squeezed a single to right on a hit-and-run play as the 2^nd baseman vacated the area, and may have resulted in a double play otherwise.  Brendan Harris broke the tie with an RBI single to left for a 2-1 Twins lead.  Carlos Gomez sacrificed the runners ahead, and Nick Punto delivered a 2-run single to left for some added cushion.  Octavio Dotel relieved Buehrle but walked 3 batters, including Justin Morneau with the bases loaded, as the Twins led 5-1 going into the 8^th.  Jose Mijares got 5 outs in the 7^th and 8^th innings to pick up his 1^st win of the year, and Bobby Keppel gave up 2 runs but got 3 outs before handing the ball to Joe Nathan, who got just 1 out to pick up his 28^th save of the season.  The Twins look for the sweep on Wednesday night behind Francisco Liriano.

Record: 51-50

July 29^th: Twins 3, White Sox 2

Despite Francisco Liriano being scratched from the start with arm swelling, the Twins completed a sweep of the rival White Sox behind the solid pitching of fill-in starter Brian Duensing, a solid bullpen effort, and timely hitting, winning the final game of the series 3-2.  Duensing pitched 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on just 3 hits, 2 of them solo homers.  The Twins jumped to a 2-0 lead in the 2^nd inning as Alexi Casilla doubled to the gap in left-center to score the 1^st run.  Denard Span grounded out to 2^nd to get another run home.  After the 2 Sox homers tied the game, Casilla put the Twins in front to stay with an RBI single in the 6^th.  Jesse Crain pitched 2 shutout innings to earn the victory, Matt Guerrier was stellar as usual in picking up his 22^nd hold, and Joe Nathan stranded runners at 2^nd and 3^rd in the 9^th to earn his 29^th save.  Winners of 4 straight games, the Twins get a much-needed day of rest before opening a 3-game series at the Dome against the Angels, looking for revenge from a miserable previous series this past weekend.  Nick Blackburn starts the opening game Friday, looking to rebound from his previous 2 poor starts.

Record: 52-50

July 31^st: Angels 11, Twins 5, in 11 innings

The Twins bullpen couldn’t hold a 5-2 7^th inning lead, then collapsed in the 11^th, falling to the Angels 11-5 in 11 innings in the opening game of the series at the Dome.  Nick Blackburn got the start and settled down after a shaky 1^st frame, allowing 4 runs on 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings, but still has yet to gain the command on his sinker he had prior to the All-Star break.  Joe Mauer’s towering 3-run homer put the Twins ahead 3-2 in the 3^rd, and Alexi Casilla and Denard Span each drove in the runs in the 4^th as the Twins surged ahead 5-2.  But solo homers got the Angels back even, with Mike Napoli homering off Matt Guerrier to tie the game in the 8^th inning.  Bob Keppel and Jesse Crain each allowed 3 runs apiece in the 11^th, putting the game well out of reach for Minnesota.  The Twins look to get even on Saturday night, with Anthony Swarzak getting the start and looking to continue is recent personal momentum.

Record: 52-51

August 1^st: Angels 11, Twins 6

Anthony Swarzak lasted just 3 innings, and the bullpen didn’t help matters, as the Angels routed the Twins 11-6 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Swarzak allowed 4 earned runs (6 total) on 9 hits, then R.A. Dickey and Bobby Keppel combined to pitch 5 innings and allowed 5 runs and 8 hits, as the Angels pounded Minnesota pitching, even hitting 3 homers in a back-breaking 5-run 6^th inning.  The Twins tied the game 2-2 in the 2^nd as Mike Redmond doubled home a run, and then scored on Carlos Gomez’s RBI triple.  The Twins got within 5-4 in the 3^rd as Orlando Cabrera doubled home a run for his 1^st hit as a Twin, and then scored his first Minnesota run on an RBI single by Justin Morneau.  He would later drive home his 1^st Twins run with an RBI single as well.  Morneau hit his AL-leading 27^th home run to drive in his 85^th run, also tops in the American League, but the game was well out of reach.  Minnesota looks to avoid a sweep in the Sunday finale, asking Glen Perkins to duplicate his start against Los Angeles last April to do just that.

Record: 52-52

August 2nd: Angels 13, Twins 4

And for the 3rd consecutive game, the Angels demolished Twins pitching, completing a 3-game sweep at the Metrodome by winning the finale 13-4.  Glen Perkins started for Minnesota but couldn't spare the bullpen, lasting just 4+ innings and allowing 9 runs (8 earned) on 12 hits, including 2 homers. Joe Mauer and Brendan Harris had RBI singles, Orlando Cabrera hit his 1st homer as a Twin, and Justin Morneau continued his assault up the American League leaderboard, blasting his 28th homer to go with 86 RBIs, both AL bests. Following an off-day Monday, the Twins hit the road for a 6-game trip beginning in Cleveland on Tuesday night. Scott Baker starts the opening game.

Record: 52-53

August 4^th: Twins 10, Indians 1

Scott Baker gave the Twins bullpen a much-needed breather with 7 shutout innings, Carlos Gomez hit a 3-run homer, and Justin Morneau added 2 RBIs to his AL-leading total, as the Twins quickly forgot about a difficult weekend at home in routing the Indians 10-1 to open the 3-game series.  Baker allowed just 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 4 to improve to 9-7 on the season.  Jason Kubel got the Twins on the board with a solo homer in 2^nd, his 19^th of the year, and Carlos Gomez drove in the 1^st of his 4 RBI with an RBI single in the same inning for a 2-0 Twins lead.  The Twins put the game out of reach with a 6-run 5^th inning, capped by Gomez’s 3^rd homer of the season.  The offense pounded out 16 hits, 11 against Tribe starter David Huff, and 6 starters had at least 2 hits.  Francisco Liriano makes the start in the 2^nd game of the series after missing his last scheduled turn with elbow swelling.

Record: 53-53

August 5^th: Indians 8, Twins 1

Francisco Liriano's struggles continued, and the offensive onslaught from the previous night did not remotely carry over, as the Indians routed the Twins 8-1 in the 2nd game of the series. Liriano lasted just 5 innings and allowed 4 runs on 8 hits, adding to his already AL-high loss total, which is now at 11. R.A. Dickey didn't fare much better, allowing all 3 batters he faced to score. The lone Twins run came in the 6th as Orlando Cabrera doubled and later scored on a groundout, as the Twins finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Record: 53-54

August 6^th: Indians 2, Twins 1

Minnesota batters finished 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, spoiling a solid effort from Nick Blackburn, as the Twins blew a chance to win a road series and lost 2-1 in the finale of the 3-game series in Cleveland. Blackburn finally had a good post-All-Star break start, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, but got no run support in what should have been a winning effort. The only Twins run scored in the 4th on a wild pitch, after Michael Cuddyer doubled and stole 3rd. The offense stranded 9 runners and continuously failed with runners in scoring position to lose another costly game in the standings.

Record: 53-55

August 7^th: Tigers 10, Twins 8

Anthony Swarzak allowed 6 1^st inning runs, and the Twins’ rally was snuffed out in the 9^th, as the Tigers took the opening game of the series 10-8.  Swarzak threw only 1+ innings, allowing 7 runs on 8 hits and having nothing that could get Detroit batters out.  Joe Mauer got the Twins on the board in the 1^st with his 19^th homer of the year, but Minnesota was down 6-1 after just 1 inning.  The Twins came right back in the 2^nd, as Denard Span singled home a run and Mauer drove in 2 more, but the Tigers got another run in the 2^nd and 2 unearned runs in 5^th for a 9-4 lead.  Jason Kubel doubled home 2 runs in the 6^th, but the Tigers again answered for a run in the 8^th.  Trailing 10-6 in the 9^th, Delmon Young singled home a run and Nick Punto drove in another with a sacrifice fly.  But rally came up short, as the Twins pitching and defense couldn’t hold it together and get Swarzak off the hook.  Brian Duensing allowed only those 2 unearned runs over 4 2/3 innings on just 4 hits, but Joe Nathan gave up a rare run in 8^th on 2 extra-base hits, as the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Record: 53-56

August 8^th: Twins 11, Tigers 0

Carl Pavano had a sparkling debut in a Twins uniform, and Denard Span had hits in all 5 trips to the plate, as the Twins routed the Tigers 11-0 to put an end to their 3-game losing streak.  Pavano dominated Detroit batters all game long, scattering 5 hits and striking out 5 with no walks over 7 innings, and getting some sparkling defense behind him as well.  Of Twins hitters, 7 of 9 starters had at least 1 RBI, led by Span’s 5 hits, 1 run and 3 RBI.  Orlando Cabrera drove home 2 runs, Joe Mauer added to his AL-best batting average (.366) with a 2-4 effort and 3 RBI, and Justin Morneau improved his AL-best RBI total to 91 with 2 RBI.

Record: 54-56

August 9^th: Tigers 8, Twins 7

Scott Baker couldn’t get out of the 5^th inning, and the Twins rally was cut short, as they fell 8-7 in the finale of the 3-game series in Detroit to drop 5 ½ games back in the AL Central.  Baker, who had emerged as the ace of the Twins’ staff of late, blew a 3-0 lead in allowing 4 runs in the 4^th and 2 more in the 5^th before being removed.  He finished the day with this line: 4 1/3 IP, 9 H, 6 ER.  The Twins rallied to get him off the hook though, tying the game 6-6 with 2 runs in the 6^th innings and another in the 7^th.  Mike Redmond got the Twins on the board in the 1^st with an RBI single, and Michael Cuddyer (18) and Delmon Young (4) hit back-to-back homers in the 4^th for a 3-0 lead.  After falling behind 6-3, the Twins got 3 2-out hits for 2 runs in the 6^th as Alexi Casilla drove them in with a triple.  Cuddyer drove in Justin Morneau with the tying run in the 7^th, but the tie wouldn’t last, as Matt Guerrier allowed 2 runs in the 8^th to take his 1^st loss of 2009.  Cuddyer homered again in the 9^th, but the rally fell one run short.  After an off-day Monday, the Twins now return home for a 6-game homestand beginning with 3 games against the Royals.  Nick Blackburn looks for his 1^st win in 5 starts in the Tuesday opener.

Record: 54-57

August 11^th: Royals 14, Twins 6

Nick Blackburn was crushed yet again, and the Twins offense did next to nothing against struggling Royals starter Kyle Davies, as the Royals annihilated the Twins 14-6 in the opening game of the series at the Metrodome.  Blackburn recorded just 5 outs and allowed 6 runs (4 earned) in 6 hits and 2 walks to lose his 3^rd decision in 5 starts since the All-Star break.  Brian Duensing and Bobby Keppel were equal disasters, each allowing 3 more runs apiece.  Jesse Crain got in on some of that action as well, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and 2 more walks.  In total, Twins pitchers allowed 18 hits and 8 walks.  Delmon Young hit his 5^th homer of the season, and the Twins scored another run on a wild pitch in falling behind 14-2.  Denard Span drove home 2 runs in the 8^th with a double, and Orlando Cabrera brought in another with a sacrifice fly, but the outcome was decided long before this inning.  Brendan Harris also connected for his 6^th homer of the year.  Francisco Liriano starts Wednesday, who would rather not have to start him but have no other choice.  Things are quickly going from bad to worse in Twins Territory.

Record: 54-58

August 12^th: Twins 7, Royals 1

Francisco Liriano took steps to bust out of both his personal slump and that of the Twins, and Joe Crede made his return to the Minnesota lineup by capping a 5-run 1^st inning with a 3-run homer, and the Twins returned the favor to Kansas City from the previous night with a 7-1 rout of the Royals in the 2^nd game of the series.  Liriano pitched 7 solid innings, allowing only a 1^st inning solo home run and just 3 hits total with 8 strikeouts to win his 5^th game of ’09, and his 1^st since June 28^th.  After the 1^st 2 batters were retired, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau singled to set up RBI singles by Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer.  Crede then crushed a Brian Bannister inside fastball deep into the left field stands for a 5-1 Twins lead.  Denard Span and Orlando Cabrera each drove in runs in the 4^th inning, which proved to be the final runs that would score in the game.  Matt Guerrier pitched a shutout 8^th, and Joe Nathan struck out the side in the 9^th to end the game.  The Twins look to keep the Royals from winning their 1^st AL series since early May in the Thursday finale, sending new addition Carl Pavano to the hill to do it.

Record: 55-58

August 13^th: Royals 5, Twins 4

For the 1^st time since late June, the Royals have won a series.  And for the 1^st time since the 1^st week of May, the Royals won a series against an American League team.  Carl Pavano allowed 5 runs to put his team in an early 5-1 hole, and Orlando Cabrera grounded into a double play with the bases loaded to prevent the Twins from tying the game, as the Twins lost a disappointing game and series to the lowly Royals by a final of 5-4.  Pavano was able to make it through 7 innings, but failed to make good pitches in the 3^rd and 4^th innings as the Royals jumped to a 4-run lead.  Pavano allowed 5 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks with 6 strikeouts, falling to 1-1 as a Twin and to 0-3 vs. the Royals this season (he was with Cleveland prior to coming to Minnesota.  Joe Mauer homered for the 21^st time this season and drove in all 4 Minnesota runs, with the homer a 3-run shot to pull the Twins within 5-4 in the 5^th.  But Michael Cuddyer flew out with 2 on in that same inning, and Cabrera bounced into the double play in the 7^th after the Royals had walked the bases full.  Remaining at home for 3 more games, the Twins welcome Cleveland into town for a 3-game series beginning Friday night.  Scott Baker looks to get back on track after a difficult last start in the opener.

Record: 55-59

August 14^th: Twins 11, Indians 0

Scott Baker threw a complete-game shutout on just 2 hits, and Jason Kubel drove in 5 runs, as the Twins blew out the Indians 11-0 in the opening game of the series.  Baker struck out 5 and completed the game on just 94 pitches.  The Twins jumped all over Tribe starter Justin Masterson with 3 runs in the 3^rd inning and 6 more in the 4^th.  The Twins put together 4 singles, including Justin Morneau’s 2 RBI hit and Jason Kubel’s RBI single, for a 3-0 lead.  The game was put out of reach in the 4^th as Joe Crede opened the inning by reaching on an error.  Alexi Casilla drove in the 1^st Twins run of the inning with a single, and following walks to Denard Span and Orlando Cabrera, Joe Mauer drove in 2 with a single and a 6-0 Twins lead.  Justin Morneau singled to re-load the bases, and Kubel followed with a 2-run single for an 8-0 lead.  Michael Cuddyer drove in the final run of the inning with an RBI single, ending a 1-15 slump.  Kubel finished the scoring in the 6^th with a 2-run bomb of a home run, his 20^th of the season.  The Twins look to sustain the momentum in the 2^nd game of the series.  Anthony Swarzak looks to end a personal slump, getting the start on Saturday.

Record: 56-59

August 15^th: Indians 7, Twins 3

Anthony Swarzak struggled from the 2^nd inning on, and the maddening inconsistency continued for Minnesota hitters with runners in scoring position, as the Twins followed up a 7-11 effort the previous night by hitting 2-12 with RISP in a frustrating 7-3 loss to Cleveland in the 2^nd game of the series.  Swarzak completely lost command of his breaking pitches and failed to get an out in the 5^th inning, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and taking yet another loss to fall to 3-6.  The Twins left the bases loaded in the 1^st and stranded 11 runners overall, scoring 2 runs in the 5^th inning after falling behind 7-0.  Justin Morneau drove in Orlando Cabrera with an RBI double, his 94^th RBI, continuing to lead the American League.  Morneau then scored on a base hit from Joe Crede.  Joe Mauer homered in the 9^th, his 22^nd of the season, but the comeback fell well short.  The Twins look to take the series in the Sunday finale behind the struggling Nick Blackburn.

Record: 56-60

August 16^th: Indians 7, Twins 4

Same result, different day.  Nick Blackburn pitched 2 scoreless innings… then promptly fell apart in the 3^rd inning, as Cleveland rallied past the Twins 7-4 in the series finale to take the series.  Blackburn allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in the big Tribe 3^rd inning, including 3 home runs, only recording 1 out before departing.  The Twins jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the 2^nd inning, as Jason Kubel singled, advanced to 3^rd on Michael Cuddyer’s double, and scored on a groundout by Joe Crede for the 1^st run.  Delmon Young followed with a 2-run blast to dead center field, his 6^th of the season, and his 1^st multi-run homer.  But Blackburn lost everything in the 3^rd, losing for the 4^th time since the All-Star break and putting his rotation spot in jeopardy.  The Twins got rare stellar pitching from the bullpen, as Jesse Crain, Jeff Manship, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, and Joe Nathan combined to hold the Indians 1 run over the final 6 1/3 innings, but once again the offense could manage nothing against a soft-tossing Cleveland lefty, this time Aaron Laffey.  The Twins offense turned in a 2-8 effort with RISP, costing them another game in the standings.  The Twins also got another scare in the 9^th as Joe Nathan took a line drive off his right leg, but was able to finish out the inning.  Following a subpar 2-4 homestand against the AL Central bottom feeders, the Twins now venture south to the home of the new AL Wild Card leaders, the Texas Rangers, for a 4-game series beginning Monday night.  Francisco Liriano, fresh off a win in his last start, takes the hill for Minnesota.

Record: 56-61

August 17^th: Rangers 8, Twins 5

It really a shame the Twins have no other rotation options.  Francisco Liriano was beaten around again, allowing 7 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in just 2 innings, falling to 5-12 as the Twins lost the opener of the 4-game series in Texas by a final of 8-5.  The bullpen did the job again, as Bob Keppel threw 3 1/3 shutout frames, and Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, and Brian Duensing combined to finish the game allowing just 1 run, but the deficit was just too much as Minnesota trailed 7-2 after 2 innings.  Joe Mauer homered yet again, his 23^rd of the year, in the 1^st inning to get the Twins on the board, and later doubled and scored another run, finishing the game 3-5.  Delmon Young and Nick Punto each drove in a pair of runs, batting in the 8^th and 9^th holes respectively.  But once again, the Twins’ trademark of falling way behind and trying to play catch-up failed in the end.  The Twins also got a minor scare when Justin Morneau had to leave the game with dizziness, but it may have been heat-related, since the game-time temp was 96 degrees.  Carl Pavano starts the 2^nd game of the series.

Record: 56-62

August 18^th: Twins 9, Rangers 6

Francisco Liriano to the DL with a tired arm.  Justin Morneau out with dizziness.  Jason Kubel left in the 1^st inning after fouling a ball of his knee.  A 5-0 deficit after 3 innings.  The Twins had nothing going for them… then improbably rallied for a 9-6 victory behind the power of Joe Mauer and Delmon Young.  Carl Pavano lasted just 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, but the Twins big bats got him off the hook.  Mauer homered in the 4^th and 7^th innings, his 24^th and 25^th of the season, with the latter homer pulling the Twins even at 6-6.  Young tied the game 5-5 in the 6^th with a 2-run double as the Twins batted 10, then put the Twins ahead to stay in the 7^th with a 2-run homer.  Brendan Harris came off the bench to have 2 hits, drive in a run and score another, Michael Cuddyer added 3 hits and 2 runs, and Denard Span and Orlando Cabrera added 2 more hits apiece to aid the Twins rally.  Joe Nathan closed out the game for his 30th save, and his 1st save opportunity since July 29th.  The 3^rd game of the series features the steady Scott Baker.

Record: 57-62

August 19^th: Twins 5, Rangers 4

And on consecutive nights, the Twins rallied from at least a 4-run deficit to win.  Scott Baker battled through 5 1/3 innings, Jose Mijares threw a career-high 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, and the Twins came back from 4-0 down to win 5-4 in the 3^rd game of the series.  Baker allowed 4 runs on 9 hits with 6 strikeouts improving to 11-7 on the season.  Orlando Cabrera got a run home with a sacrifice fly in the 5^th to get the Twins on the board, and then the floodgates opened in the 6^th.  Michael Cuddyer and Joe Crede began the inning with back-to-back doubles to cut the lead to 4-2.  Two outs later, Nick Punto, Denard Span, and Orlando Cabrera drove in runs to put with a single, double, and single respectively to put the Twins ahead 5-4.  Mijares retired all 7 batters he faced (one on a double play) with 3 strikeouts on just 28 pitches, and Joe Nathan got through a drama-filled 9^th to nail down his 31^st save.  The Twins look to take the series in the Thursday finale, with struggling Anthony Swarzak getting the start.

Record: 58-62

August 20th: Rangers 11, Twins 1
Anthony Swarzak fell victim to the long ball on Thursday night, allowing 4 home runs as the Rangers cruised to an 11-1 win over the Twins to split the 4-game series in Arlington. Swarzak pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed 6 runs on 8 hits to fall to 3-8 this season. Bobby Keppel didn't fare much better, allowing hits to all 3 batters he faced, all of which eventually scoring. Delmon Young's solo home run (8) in the 5th was the only run the Twins could manage. Joe Mauer's assault on a .400 batting average took a step back, as he went 1-4, lowering his average to .378.  The Twins now move on to Kansas City for a 3-game series, with Nick Blackburn continue his search for answers in Friday's opening game.

Record: 58-63

August 21^st: Twins 5, Royals 4, in 10 innings

Nick Blackburn battled through 7 innings to finally give the Twins a good start, Denard Span scored the game-tying run and drove in the go-ahead run, and Orlando Cabrera drove in the winning run in the 10^th as the Twins overcame a rare Joe Nathan blown save to defeat the Royals 5-4 in 10 innings in the opening game in Kansas City.  Blackburn allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, settling down in the later innings by only allowing a single baserunner over his final 3 innings of work.  Alexi Casilla jump-started the Twins’ 3-run game-tying rally in the 6^th inning with an RBI double, then scored on Denard Span’s triple.  Span tied the game on that play, coming all the way around as Royals RF Josh Anderson misplayed the ball.  Span put the Twins in front in the 8^th, driving home Carlos Gomez with the go-ahead run with a single.  Nathan blew the save on a 3-2 pitch to pinch hitter Brayan Pena, who homered to right field.  But Casilla came around to score on a single by Cabrera for a 5-4 lead, and eventual win.  Nathan came out in the 10^th as well and was able to get the win, though he threw 54 pitches, which will likely make him unavailable for the rest of this series.  Game 2 of the series features rookie lefthander Brian Duensing.

Record: 59-63

August 22^nd: Twins 8, Royals 7

Brian Duensing survived 5 tumultuous innings to earn his 1^st major league victory and the Twins offense kept adding on runs to beat back a relentless Royals attack to hold on for a topsy-turvy 8-7 win in Kansas City in the 2^nd game of the series.  Duensing allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits, but escaped multiple runner jams in every inning and allowing both runs in his final inning of work.  Michael Cuddyer got the Twins off and running in the 2^nd with a leadoff solo home run (20), and Jason Kubel added a 2-run double in the 4^th for a 3-0 Twins lead.  The Royals battled back to 3-2, but the Twins extended the lead with a 3-run 6^th, as Brendan Harris, Carlos Gomez, and Alexi Casilla, the 7-8-9 hitters, each had RBI singles.  The Royals got 2 more in the bottom of the inning off a struggling Bobby Keppel, but Kubel drove in another run in the 7^th with a single for a 7-4 lead.  The Royals were undaunted, however, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 7^th to get within 7-6.  Jesse Crain allowed 3 baserunners in the inning without getting an out, forcing Jose Mijares to get out of the jam.   Michael Cuddyer blooped an RBI double 1 foot fair down the right field line between 3 Royals fielders to drive in a critical insurance in the 9^th.  Matt Guerrier would give that run back in the bottom of the 9^th, but was able to get 5 outs for his 1st save of the season and 4^th of his career, as Joe Nathan was unavailable after having thrown 53 pitches Friday night.  The Twins look for the sweep behind Carl Pavano in the Sunday finale.

Record: 60-63

August 23^rd: Twins 10, Royals 3

Michael went deep twice – both in the Twins 8-run 7^th inning – as the Twins broke open a close game to back a strong effort from Carl Pavano in a 10-3 rout of the Royals to complete a 3-game sweep.  Pavano pitched 7 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits to pick up his 2^nd win as a Twin.  The Twins scored an unearned run in the 3^rd, and then exploded in the 7^th.  Cuddyer launched his 21^st homer leading off the inning to break the 1-1 tie, and Brendan Harris followed with a double to left.  Delmon Young sent a liner to left for an RBI single, and then went to 2^nd on a hit-and-run infield hit by Carlos Gomez.  Alexi Casilla laid down a beautiful bunt for a base hit, loading the bases.  Denard Span promptly cleared them with a 3-run triple for a 6-1 lead.  Orlando Cabrera got him home with a sacrifice fly as well, just the 1^st out in the inning.  Joe Mauer singled to center, and after Jason Kubel struck out, Cuddyer crushed his 22^nd homer even farther than the 1^st one of the inning, to complete the 8-run inning.  Kubel drove in a run in the 9^th for the 10^th Twins run, and Jeff Manship and Bobby Keppel each got an inning of relief to close out the comfortable win.  The Twin now return home looking to pick up more ground in the AL Central, beginning a 9-game homestand with 3 games against the lowly Orioles.  Scott Baker starts the opening game on Monday night.

Record: 61-63

August 24^th: Twins 2, Orioles 1

Scott Baker shut down the Orioles over 7 innings, and the Twins pushed across just enough runs to win, rallying for a 2-1 victory over Baltimore in the opening game of the 3-game series at the Metrodome, their 4^th consecutive win to tie a season-best.  Baker allowed just 1 run on 4 hits, walking 1 and striking out 5 to win his 12^th game of ’09.  The Twins hit into 3 double plays to kill rallies in the early innings, but Alexi Casilla put an end to that by tripling to lead off the bottom of the 6^th inning.  He scored the tying run on a wild pitch just a short time later.  Denard Span singled, then went to 3^rd on a single by Orlando Cabrera.  Joe Mauer struck out, but OC stole second, leading to an intentional walk to Justin Morneau to load the bases.  Jason Kubel lined a sacrifice fly to left to score Span with the go-ahead run.  Jose Mijares easily disposed of the O’s in order in the 8^th, and after 2 2-out walks, Joe Nathan was able to strike out Matt Wieters to seal the win for Minnesota, his 32^nd save of the season.  The Twins look for their 5^th straight win in the 2^nd game of the series, with young Armando Gabino making his major-league debut on Tuesday night.

Record: 62-63

August 25^th: Twins 7, Orioles 6

Delmon Young capped a 4-for-5 night with a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9^th as the Twins rallied from 2 separate 3-run deficits to pull out a gutty 7-6 win over the Orioles in the 2^nd game of the series, and are now at an even tie for 2^nd place in the AL Central with Chicago.  Armando Gabino started for the Twins, making his major league debut, but lasted just 2 2/3 innings.  He allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out only 1.  But the Twins offense was relentless all night long.  After falling behind 3-0 in the 2^nd inning, Denard Span tripled to drive in 2 runs to cut the O’s lead to 3-2.  Phil Humber relieved Gabino and walked in a run before getting the 3^rd out of the 3^rd inning, but Justin Morneau launched a 400+-foot homer to deep right center, his 29^th of ’09, and the Twins trailed by just one run again.  Humber walked in another run in the 4^th, and Luke Scott singled in a run in the 6^th as the O’s extended their lead to 6-3.  But the Twins were not to be denied, as their dominance of the 6^th inning continued.  The Twins have now scored a combined 22 runs in the 6^th inning over their past 7 games.  Delmon Young singled for the 3^rd time leading off the inning, then went to 2^nd on Carlos Gomez’s single.  Alexi Casilla doubled to right to score Young and advance Gomez to 3^rd, and Span walked to load the bases.  Orlando Cabrera walked to force in a run, and Joe Mauer grounded into a double play, with Casilla scoring the tying run.  Bobby Keppel, Jesse Crain, and Jose Mijares combined to allow just 1 run on 4 hits over the final 5 1/3 innings, setting the Twins up for a rally in the bottom of the 9^th.  With 2 outs, Michael Cuddyer singled and pinch hitter Jason Kubel walked.  Then Young drove a 3-2 pitch to right field to score Cuddyer and win the game for the Twins.  Nick Blackburn looks to complete the 3-game sweep in the Wednesday finale.

Record: 63-63

August 26^th: Orioles 5, Twins 1

The Twins offense could muster nothing against O’s starter Jeremy Guthrie, who out-dueled a pedestrian Nick Blackburn in the O’s 5-1 victory, who avoided the 3-game sweep in the final meeting of the season between the 2 teams.  Blackburn lasted just 5 2/3 innings and gave up 4 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits to fall to a below-.500 record of 8-9 this season in losing his 5^th consecutive decision, and still has not won post-All-Star break.  Orlando Cabrera’s error allowed a run to score in the 1^st inning, setting a rather ominous tone for the evening, and the offense didn’t amount to much all night.  Justin Morneau’s 4^th inning RBI double was the only run Minnesota would score, as the offense finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.  O’s backup catcher and #9 hitter was former Twin Chad Moeller, who proved difficult to contain for the Twins, drove in 2 runs, 1 each on an RBI double and bases-loaded walk.  The Twins look for good pitching to continue, and they need it, as the Texas Rangers come into town for a weekend series at the Dome follow Thursday’s off-day.  Brian Duensing continues his interim role in the rotation by getting the start in Friday’s opening game.

Record: 63-64

August 28^th: Twins 3, Rangers 2

Brian Duensing threw 7 brilliant innings, making a 3-run Twins 1^st inning stand up, as the Twins held on to beat the Rangers 3-2 in the opening game of the 3-game series at the Metrodome.  Duensing, making just his 3^rd major league start, allowed just 1 run on 3 hits to the powerful Texas lineup and striking out a career-best 8, improving to 2-1 on the season, with both wins coming against the Rangers.  The Twins got all their offense earlier as Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer each hit RBI singles, bookended around Jason Kubel’s RBI triple, as the Twins jumped to a quick 3-0 lead.  The Rangers got 1 back in the 6^th, and then got a couple hits against Matt Guerrier in the 8^th.  But Mauer threw out SS Elvis Andrus trying to steal 2^nd, enabling Guerrier to get out of the inning unscathed.  Joe Nathan came in to retire the 1^st 2 Ranger hitters on just 3 pitches.  But Nathan ran into trouble, allowing 2 doubles (the latter of which falling a foot short of being a game-tying home run) and a walk as Texas got within 3-2 and had the tying and go-ahead runs aboard.  But he got 1B Chris Davis on a 3-2 back-door slider for the game-ending strikeout to cap his 33^rd save of the season.  The Twins, now 8-2 in their last 10 games and now in 2^nd place, send Carl Pavano to the mound to continue the momentum in the 2^nd game of the series on Saturday night.   Other notes: the Twins have acquired RHP Jon Rauch and LHP Ron Mahay from Arizona and Kansas City respectively in an effort to bolster the bullpen.  They also won on waiver claim on Cubs starting RHP Rich Harden, who if acquired would provide a major boost to the beleaguered bullpen.  The team has until Monday at noon to work out a deal with the Cubs.

Record: 64-64

August 29^th: Rangers 3, Twins 0

The Twins offense was flat all night long, finishing 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position en route to a disappointing 3-0 loss in the 2^nd game of the series against the Rangers.  Carl Pavano got the start for Minnesota and lasted 6 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits with 7 strikeouts, but fell to 2-2 as a member of the Twins.  The offense grounded into 2 double plays and Alexi Casilla struck out with a runner at 3^rd and 1 out in the 5^th, the Twins’ best scoring chance.

Record: 64-65

August 30^th: Twins 5, Rangers 3

The Twins rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 8^th inning, taking advantage of Texas’ miscues in the field, to win the finale 5-3 and take the 3-game series at the Metrodome.  Scott Baker continued his stellar pitching by lasting 7 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits with 6 strikeouts, but was unable to pick up the win.  Jason Kubel hit a 2-run homer in the 4^th, his 21^st of the season, to put the Twins ahead 2-1, but Nelson Cruz put Texas back in front with a 2-run homer of his own in the 7^th.  But the Twins rallied back in the 8^th.  Justin Morneau walked and Kubel singled to start the inning against Rangers reliever C.J. Wilson.  Brendan Harris tied the game with an RBI single, with him and Kubel taking an extra base on an error by Cruz in left field.  Mike Redmond chopped a grounder to 1^st, with pinch runner Carlos Gomez beating the throw home as the Twins took a 4-3 lead.  Nick Punto laid down a beautiful suicide squeeze bunt to score Harris with the 5^th run.  Newly-acquired Jon Rauch picked up his 1^st win as a Twin with a shutout 8^th inning, and Joe Nathan finished for his 34^th save.

Record: 65-65

August 31^st: Twins 4, White Sox 1

Nick Blackburn got some personal redemption with a brilliant 7-inning start, and the Twins got home runs from Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel, in a 4-1 win over Chicago in the opening game of the 3-game series as the Twins homestand continued.  Blackburn allowed just 6 hits and 1 run with 7 strikeouts, finally picking up his 9^th win of the season after beginning the 2^nd half 0-5 with an 8.22 ERA in 8 starts.  Mauer hit a solo shot in the 3^rd, his 26^th of the season, and following Justin Morneau’s double, Kubel connected for the 2^nd day in a row, his 22^nd, for a 3-0 Twins lead.  Jose Mijares and Matt Guerrier combined for a scoreless 8^th, Michael Cuddyer drove in an insurance run in the bottom of the 8^th as well, and Joe Nathan finished for his 35^th save.

Record: 66-65

September 1^st: Twins 4, White Sox 3

Jeff Manship threw 5 solid innings in his major league debut, and recently-recalled Jose Morales singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 9^th inning, as the Twins defeated the White Sox 4-3 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Manship allowed just a single run on 4 hits, extending himself out to 83 pitches as he prepares to start full-time in September.  Michael Cuddyer homered to the tie the game in the 5^th, his 23^rd, then again in the 7^th, extending Minnesota’s lead to 3-1.  Orlando Cabrera added a sacrifice fly in the 6^th following Denard Span’s triple to put the Twins ahead.  Matt Guerrier’s 1^st pitch of the 8^th was driven into the left field bleachers by Sox 3B Gordon Beckham to tie the game at 3, but that only set the stage for dramatic 9^th inning.  Jason Kubel led off with a single, then was pinch-run for by Nick Punto.  After Cuddyer flew out, Brendan Harris singled Punto to 3^rd.  Carlos Gomez struck out, but Morales, pinch-hitting for Alexi Casilla, drove a 0-1 pitch to right-center for the game-winner.

Record: 67-65

September 2^nd: White Sox 4, Twins 2

Joe Nathan inexplicably collapsed in the 9^th inning, foiling a tremendous effort from Brian Duensing, as the Twins were defeated in crushing fashion, 4-2 in the finale, as the White Sox averted the sweep.  Duensing threw 7 stellar innings, allowing no runs .  Jason Kubel’s 2-run single in the 6^th was all the Twins could manage against Sox starter Mark Buehrle, but it was all the team seemed to need heading into the 8^th and 9^th.  Jon Rauch got a big double play in his shutout 8^th, and Nathan retired the 1^st 2 batter he faced in the 9^th as well.  After jumping ahead of Gordon Beckham 0-2, Nathan fell behind 3-2 before leaving a fast ball down the heart of the plate, which Beckham blasted to cut the Twins lead to 2-1.  Nathan went to 3-2 on Paul Konerko as well, before leaving a hanging slider in the middle of plate, which Konerko blasted to left to tie the game.  Nathan walked 2 more hitters before Matt Guerrier relieved him, and Guerrier allowed the go-ahead run to score on a single on a 0-2 pitch.  An insurance run scored as well, as Guerrier threw a wild pitch.

Record: 67-66

September 4^th: Indians 5, Twins 2

The Twins defense was uncharacteristically sloppy, committing 4 errors, en route to a road trip-opening 5-2 loss in Cleveland.  Carl Pavano started and threw 6 innings, allowing 8 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts, also committing a costly mistake in failing to get to 1^st base on a relay throw from SS Orlando Cabrera on a double play try, allowing the Tribe to score their 1^st run.  Pavano compounded the problem by allowing 2 more hits and 2 more runs before the inning ended.  Brendan Harris and Justin Morneau drove in runs in the 5^th and 6^th to get Minnesota to within 3-2, but sloppy defensive play allowed the Indians to get those 2 runs back.

Record: 67-67

September 5^th: Twins 4, Indians 1

Scott Baker defeated the Indians for the 4^th time this season, and the Twins executed much better than the previous night, beating Cleveland 4-1 in the 2^nd game of the series.  Baker pitched 6 innings and allowed just 2 hits and 1 run to win his 13^th game of the season and improve to 6-0 in 11 starts since the All-Star break.  Nick Punto doubled home 2 runs in the 4^th to put Minnesota ahead 2-1, and Jason Kubel and Orlando Cabrera each drove in runs in the 8^th and 9^th respectively.  Jon Rauch and Matt Guerrier threw shutout 7^th and 8^th innings, and Joe Nathan got much-deserved redemption from his previous outing with a 1-2-3 9^th for his 36^th save.  The Twins seek a series victory in the series’ final game, sending Nick Blackburn to the mound to hopefully duplicate his previous start’s success.

Record: 68-67

September 6^th: Indians 3, Twins 1

The Twins offense did nothing, wasting a 2^nd consecutive solid effort from Nick Blackburn, losing the finale of the 3-game series in Cleveland by a final of 3-1.  Blackburn pitched into the 7^th inning but failed to get the final out, allowing a go-ahead RBI single to young Indians CF Michael Brantley before departing.  Blackburn finished the day having gone 6 2/3 innings and allowing 3 runs and 7 hits, dropping to 9-10 on the season.  Jose Mijares allowed an RBI double to the 1^st batter he faced as well, as the Twins fell behind 3-1 in the 7th.  The only Twins run was scored by Nick Punto, who doubled with 2 outs in the 5^th and was driven in by Denard Span’s RBI single.  Those were the only 2 hits Minnesota could muster against Tribe starter David Huff.  Justin Morneau’s tailspin continued, as he is now 0 for his 19 and sitting on a 4-for-48 slide over his last 10 games.  The Twins lost their first series since dropping one to the Indians 3 weeks ago.  The Twins now head to a house of horrors in Toronto for a 4-game series, not having won a game there since April of 2006, and with the playoff hopes on life support.

Record: 68-68

September 7^th: Twins 6, Blue Jays 3

The Twins batted 10 and scored 5 in the 1^st inning, scoring at least 5 runs for the 1^st time in a week, and holding on for a 6-3 win in the opening game of the 4-game series in Toronto.  Jeff Manship started but pitched just 4 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts, getting pulled for the veteran bullpen as the Twins continued their late push to get back into the AL Central race.  Bobby Keppel, Ron Mahay, Jesse Crain (W, 5-4), Matt Guerrier (28^th hold), and Joe Nathan (37^th save) combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings on just 1 hit with 7 strikeouts.  The first 6 Twins reached on a walk and 5 hits, as Denard Span walked, Nick Punto singled and Joe Mauer drove in both with a 2-run single.  Justin Morneau ended a 0-for-19 tailspin with an RBI single, and then scored on Jason Kubel’s RBI double.  Michael Cuddyer poked an RBI single as well, as the Twins jumped to a 5-0 lead before Manship had to even throw a pitch.  Span letter drove in a run with a single in the 6^th as well.  The Twins send surging rookie lefthander Brian Duensing to the mound in the 2^nd game of the series on Tuesday night.

Record: 69-68

September 8^th: Blue Jays 6, Twins 3

Everything fell apart for the Twins in the Blue Jays’ 6-run 6^th inning, ending Brian Duensing’s start prematurely and leading to a 6-3 loss in Toronto in the 2^nd game of the series.  Duensing pitched 5 stellar innings, allowing just 4 hits and a walk with 2 strikeouts before allowing 2 hits and a walk in the 6^th and then departing.  All 3 of these runners would score, as Jon Rauch completely flopped in relief.  Rauch allowed 3 hits and a walk, including light-hitting John McDonald’s tie-breaking 3-run homer (just his 11^th career homer), and recording just 2 outs.  The Twins runs came on Justin Morneau’s 1^st inning RBI double and Jason Kubel’s 3^rd inning 2-run double.  The Twins send Carl Pavano to the mound on Wednesday against Cy Young candidate Roy Halladay of the Jays.

Record: 69-69

September 9^th: Twins 4, Blue Jays 1

Carl Pavano out-dueled Cy Young candidate and previous winner Roy Halladay as the Twins won the 3^rd game of the series 4-1.  Pavano pitched 7 1/3 innings and allowed just 1 run on 6 hits, improving to 3-3 as a Twin.  Orlando Cabrera homered in the 6^th to tie the game 1-1, Justin Morneau hit his 30^th homer and drove in his 100^th run of the season, the solo shot giving the Twins a 2-1 lead in the 8^th, and Michael Cuddyer padded the lead with a 2-run double in the 9^th.  Jose Mijares left the tying run at 2^nd in the 8^th for his 21st hold, and Joe Nathan finished for his 38^th save.

Record: 70-69

September 10^th: Blue Jays 3, Twins 2

Scott Baker lost for the first time since June 10^th, not getting nearly enough run support, as the Twins’ inconsistency continued in their 3-2 loss in Toronto as the Blue Jays salvaged a 4-game series split.  Baker lasted 6 2/3 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts, falling to 13-8 on the season.  The Twins tied the game at 1-1 in the 3^rd inning as Denard Span homered for the 7^th time this season, then 2-2 in the 5^th as Orlando Cabrera drove in a run with a single.  But Baker just couldn’t quite keep the Jays at bay, and 5 Jays relievers combined to allow no hits and 1 walk over the Twins final 3 innings of batting.  The Twins now head home for a 9-game homestand, beginning Friday night with a 3-game series against Oakland.  Nick Blackburn starts the opening game.

Record: 70-70

September 11^th: A’s 12, Twins 5

Nick Blackburn’s recent run of success ended abruptly, and the Twins reverted to early August form in a 12-5 blowout loss to Oakland to open the series and 9-game homestand.  Blackburn allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in just 3 innings, including 3 home runs, the back-breaking being a 3-run shot from Mark Ellis that gave the A’s a 6-1 3^rd inning lead.  The A’s piled on the 5^th and 6^th innings, getting 3 runs in each inning against Twins relievers Bobby Keppel, Ron Mahay, and Armando Gabino.  Denard Span hit a leadoff homer, his 7^th of the season, giving the Twins a brief 1-0 lead, but the Twins didn’t score again until the 9^th when the game was well out of reach.  Alexi Casilla and Jose Morales drove in runs with singles, and Matt Tolbert lined a 2-run single to center as well.  Jeff Manship gets the start in Saturday’s game 2 of the series.

Record: 70-71

September 12^th: A’s 4, Twins 2

The Twins offense fell flat for the 2^nd consecutive game as young Brett Anderson pitched 7 strong innings for the A’s in the their 4-2 win over the Twins in the 2^nd game of the series.  Jeff Manship started for Minnesota and lasted just 4+ innings, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.  Manship left with 2 runners on the 5^th, both of which came around to score as Jesse Crain couldn’t keep the game a 2-2 tie.  The Twins scored both runs on sacrifice flies, 1 each by Denard Span and Jason Kubel, as they simply couldn’t solve Anderson, getting just 5 hits and hitting into 2 double plays.  The Twins have hit into the most double plays in the major leagues, of a multitude of issues the team has had this season.  Brian Duensing tries to help the Twins avoid the sweep in the Sunday finale.

Record: 70-72

September 13^th: Twins 8, A’s 0

The Twins jumped all over A’s starter Gio Gonzalez, getting 7 runs and 8 hits off him, in rolling to an 8-0 win over Oakland to salvage the final game of the series.  Brian Duensing continued his stellar pitching with 7 shutout innings and 8 hits, improving to 3-1 this season.  The Twins put together 3 hits and a walk, including Michael Cuddyer’s 2-run single, to take a 3-0 lead in the 1^st inning, then added another run in the 3^rd as Joe Mauer hit his 27^th home run of the season.  The game was put away in a 4-run 4^th inning, as Denard Span singled in a run, Orlando Cabrera doubled home 2 more, and then he scored on a base hit by Mauer.  Duensing coasted from there, and Bobby Keppel and Joe Nathan finished with 1 shutout inning apiece.  The Twins homestand continues with a 3-game series against Cleveland beginning Monday night.  Carl Pavano starts the opening game of the series.

Record: 71-72

September 14^th: Twins 6, Indians 3

Michael Cuddyer hit his 100^th career home run – a 3-run game tying shot – in the Twins’ decisive 6-run 8^th inning as the Twins rallied past Cleveland for a 6-3 win in the opening game of the 3-game series at the Metrodome.  Carl Pavano started against his old team and pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 runs and 6 hits with a walk and 4 strikeouts for a no-decision.  The Twins did nothing against Tribe starter Jeremy Sowers for 7 innings before unloading the Indians’ bullpen in the 8^th.  The Twins totaled 6 runs on 5 hits, including 2 homers, and were aided by a passed ball and fielding error in the inning.  After Orlando Cabrera reached on an error and Joe Mauer walked, Cuddyer launched his 25^th homer to left-center field to tie the game at 3.  Delmon Young singled with one out and went to 3^rd on a base hit by Matt Tolbert, then scored on the passed ball as the Twins took a 4-3 lead.  Pinch hitter Jason Kubel capped the rally with a 2-run blast of his own, his 23^rd of the season, and 3^rd as a pinch hitter.  Jesse Crain pitched a scoreless 7^th, Ron Mahay threw a shutout 8^th to earn the win, and Joe Nathan finished for his 39^th save of ’09.  Scott Baker looks to avenge the loss from his last start in Tuesday’s second game of the series.

Record: 72-72

September 15^th: Twins 5, Indians 4

Nick Punto went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, Orlando Cabrera hit a solo homer, and Brian Buscher drove in the go-ahead run in the 6^th inning as the Twins rallied past the Indians 5-4 to take the 2^nd game of the series.  Scott Baker started but threw just 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts, with all 3 runs coming on 4 hits in the 4^th inning.  Joe Mauer got the Twins on the board in the 1^st inning with an RBI single, but the Twins would fall behind 3-1 in the 4^th.  Punto got the Twins within 3-2 in the bottom of the inning with a 2-out RBI single, and Cabrera launched his 7^th homer of the year in the left-field bleachers to tie the game 3-3 in the 5^th.  Delmon Young led off the decisive 6^th inning with a double, then scored the go-ahead run on Buscher’s RBI single.  Punto would drive him in from 2^nd 2 batters later with a single to add some key insurance.  Punto is now .382 in the month of September.  Jon Rauch came on in relief and pitched 1 1/3 of shutout ball to earn his 3^rd win in relief.  Jose Mijares struck out the only batter he faced in the 7^th with on 3 pitches for his 22^nd hold, and Matt Guerrier threw a shutout 8^th inning for his 29^th hold.  Joe Nathan allowed a solo homer in the 9^th but finished the game for his 40^th save, the 3^rd time he’s reached that mark as a Minnesota Twin.  The Twins go for the sweep on Wednesday afternoon, with Nick Blackburn getting the start.

Record: 73-72

September 16^th: Twins 7, Indians 3

Nick Blackburn delivered a solid start and got plenty of offensive support as the Twins completed a 3-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians at the Metrodome, winning the finale 7-3.  Blackburn threw 6 1/3 innings and allowed just 2 runs on 8 hits, improving to 10-11.  The Twins got on the board in the 3^rd inning as Michael Cuddyer singled in a run.  They got 3 more for a 4-0 lead on an RBI single by Denard Span and a 2-run single by Joe Mauer in the 4^th, then 1 more in the 5^th on Cuddyer’s 26 home run of the season.  Cuddyer doubled home a run in the 7^th and scored on a sacrifice fly for the Twins’ 6^th and 7^th runs of the game, as he finished the day 3-for-4 with a run and 2 RBI.  Jose Mijares allowed a run but still picked up his 23^rd hold.  Jesse Crain allowed 2 baserunners before Matt Guerrier got the final out of 8^th to leave the bases loaded, Guerrier’s 31^st hold.  Joe Nathan finished for his 41^st save, the 3^rd consecutive game in which he earned the save.  Following an off-day Thursday, the Twins begin their final last-gasp push to an AL Central Division championship with a 3-game Dome series against the division-leading Detroit Tigers.  Brian Duensing gets the biggest start of his young career in the Friday opener.

Record: 74-72

September 18th: Twins 3, Tigers 0

Brian Duensing continued his astounding success with 6 1/3 shutout innings, and Michael Cuddyer hit his 27th home run of the season, as the Twins shut out Detroit 3-0 for their 5th consecutive win to close to within 3 games of the Tigers in the AL Central race. Duensing allowed just 4 hits en route to his 4th win. Cuddyer smacked his 2-run homer in the 4th to get Minnesota on the board, and Delmon Young doubled home Jason Kubel in the 6th for a 3-0 lead. Jose Mijares, Jon Rauch, and Joe Nathan combined for 2 2/3 innings and allowed just 1 hit, with Nathan picking up his 42nd save, saving a Twins win for the 4th straight game. The Twins look for a season-best 6th straight win on Saturday, with Carl Pavano getting the start.

Record: 75-72

September 19^th: Twins 6, Tigers 2

Carl Pavano continued his 2009 dominance of the Tigers, and the Twins got a little help from the roof of their Dome, rallying past Detroit 6-2 for their 6^th consecutive win and creep within 2 games of the Tigers in the race for the AL Central division championship.  Pavano threw 7 innings and scattered 11 singles and 2 runs, not getting the win since he had left prior to the Twins rally.  Joe Mauer tied the game at 1 in the 1^st inning with his 28^th home run of the season, but the Twins got nothing against Justin Verlander until their final inning of batting.  Denard Span singled with 1 out, then went to 3^rd as Orlando Cabrera’s fly ball to left field was lost in the roof by Tigers LF Don Kelly, resulting in a double.  After Mauer was intentionally walked to load the bases, Jason Kubel singled to left to score Span and Cabrera for a 3-2 Twins lead.  Michael Cuddyer followed with a 3-run homer, also his 28^th homer of the year, to put the game out of reach.  Jesse Crain pitched a shutout 8^th inning for his 6^th win in relief, and Jose Mijares and Matt Guerrier combined for a scoreless 9^th inning to close out the win.  The Twins go for the sweep and their 7^th straight win in Sunday’s finale, with Scott Baker on the bump for Minnesota.

Record: 76-72

September 20^th: Tigers 6, Twins 2

Scott Baker didn’t have his best stuff from the start as the Twins lost the final game of the 3-game series at the Dome by a final of 6-2, seeing their 6-game winning streak end and falling to 3 games back in the AL Central with 13 games to play.  Baker lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed 4 earned runs on 8 hits, losing for the 2^nd time in 3 starts.  The Twins grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the 1^st inning on an RBI groundout by Jason Kubel, and then got a 2-out RBI single from Nick Punto in the 4^th to retake the lead at 2-1.  But the lead was short-lived, as the Tigers knocked out Baker with 3 runs in the 5^th, and then iced the game with 2 more in the 8^th against Francisco Liriano.  The Twins hit the road for their final road trip of the season, a 10-gamer beginning with 3 games in Chicago against the White Sox.  Nick Blackburn starts the opening game on Monday night.

Record: 76-73

September 21^st: Twins 7, White Sox 0

Nick Blackburn shut out the White Sox on 8 hits and struck out 6 over 7 innings to win his 2^nd start in a row and 11^th of the season, and the Twins used a balance attack to overcome the mid-game loss of Denard Span to defeat Chicago 7-0 to open the series and 10-game road trip.  Span, who left the game in the 6^th after being hit in the helmet with a pitch, had a headache and is listed as day-to-day.  Orlando Cabrera led 5 Twins who drove in runs with 2 RBI, driving each in with singles and scoring 3 runs.  Nick Punto reached all 4 times, with 2 hits and 2 walks, also scoring 2 runs.

Record: 77-73

September 22^nd: Twins 8, White Sox 6

The Twins hit 4 home runs, using 6 pitchers to piece together an 8-6 win in the 2^nd game of the series at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.  Jeff Manship started but allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, including 2 homers, in just 2 1/3 innings, but got plenty of offensive support to get him off the hook.  Orlando Cabrera got the Twins on the board early against his former team, hitting a 2-run homer on an 0-2 pitch, and Delmon Young added a sac fly later in the inning for a 3-0 Twins lead.  The Sox rallied for a 4-3 lead, hitting 2 home runs in the 3^rd off Manship, but Minnesota rallied with single runs in the 4^th and 5^th innings for a 5-4 lead.  Michael Cuddyer led off the 4^th with a double and eventually came around to score to even the contest at 4-4, and Joe Mauer put the Twins back in front with a 2-out RBI double in the 5^th.  The Sox tied it again in the 5^th, but Minnesota went ahead again in the 6^th with 2 runs.  Michael Cuddyer hit the 1^st pitch of the inning for his 29^th homer, and Matt Tolbert hit his 2^nd of the season 2 outs later.  Jason Kubel (24) and Paul Konerko exchanged homers in the 8^th inning, and the Twins were just good enough to escape with the win.  Francisco Liriano allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings in relief of Manship, and Jesse Crain threw 1 1/3 innings to win his 7^th decision of the year.  Jose Mijares pitched a shutout 7^th for his 25^th hold, Matt Guerrier allowed a homer but held for the 31^st time, and Joe Nathan finished with a scoreless 9^th for his 43^rd save.  The Twins go for the sweep Wednesday night behind Brian Duensing.

Record: 78-73

September 23^rd: Twins 8, White Sox 6

The Twins overcame a shaky start from Brian Duensing and 2 home runs from White Sox RF Jermaine Dye to escape Chicago with a 3-game sweep, winning the finale by a final of 8-6.  Duensing threw 5 2/3 innings and allowed 3 earned runs (4 total) on 9 hits, but pitched just well enough to leave with his 5^th win of the year.  Once again, it was a balanced offensive attack for the Twins, who jumped out to a 5-0 lead after they batted in the 4^th.  Brendan Harris doubled in a run in the 2^nd for the 1^st Twins run, and Orlando Cabrera and Michael Cuddyer followed with RBI singles for a 3-0 Twins lead in the 3^rd.  Nick Punto and Carlos Gomez continued the hit barrage off Sox starter Mark Buehrle with RBI doubles each as the Twins led 5-0.  The Sox rallied for a run each in the 4^th and 5^th and 2 in the 6^th to get within 5-4 and knock out Duensing, but Bobby Keppel got the final out of the 6^th to hold the lead.  The Twins immediately responded with 3 more runs in the 7^th.  Punto capped a 2-4, 2-runs-scored, 3-RBI night with a 2-out 2-run bases-loaded single, and Jose Morales scored on an error to extend Minnesota’s lead to 8-4.  Dye brought the Sox closer with his 2^nd 2-run homer in the 8^th off Bobby Keppel, but Jesse Crain and Jose Mijares each recorded outs to escape the 8^th with an 8-6 Twins lead.  Joe Nathan allowed a hit batsman and a walk before retiring the side for his 44^th save of the season.

Record: 79-73

September 25^th: Twins 9, Royals 4

Carl Pavano won his 13^th game of the year and Michael Cuddyer hit his 30^th homer of the season as the Twins rolled to a 9-4 win at Kansas City, creeping even closer to Detroit in the process.  Pavano allowed 4 runs on 8 hits over 6 innings to pick up the victory.  The Twins took a 2-1 lead on Cuddyer’s homer, and then bolted to a 6-1 lead with 4 runs in the 6^th inning.  Orlando Cabrera drove in a run with a single, and then Joe Mauer, Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel brought home runs with RBI walks to cap the 4-run inning.  After the Royals drew within 6-4, Delmon Young’s RBI triple and Matt Tolbert’s RBI single gave the Twins some breathing room at 8-4.  Young then capped his night with a solo homer, his 9^th of the season.  Ron Mahay pitched a shutout 7^th inning, Jon Rauch and Jose Mijares (27 holds) combined for a scoreless 8^th, and Matt Guerrier finished for a scoreless 9^th as the Twins won for the 10^th time in 11 games.  The Twins send Scott Baker to the hill in the 2^nd game of the series on Saturday.

Record: 80-73

September 26^th: Twins 11, Royals 6

Scott Baker pitched 6 1/3 solid innings to win his 14^th game and Denard Span drove in a career-high 6 runs as the Twins routed the Royals 11-6 to take the 2^nd game of the series.  Baker allowed 4 runs on 6 hits with 5 strikeouts, and got plenty of run support in the process.  After a couple solo homers off Baker gave the Royals a 2-0 lead into the 4^th, Minnesota rallied for 5 runs in the inning.  After an out at home, the first run scored on an error, and Brendan Harris tied the game with a sacrifice fly.  Span came up with the bases loaded and 2 out and lined a triple to right-center, driving in all 3 runs and capping the 5-run inning.  Span came up in the 6^th and singled home 2 more runs for a 7-2 lead, and drove home the 1^st of 4 Twins 8^th inning runs with an RBI single as well.  Orlando Cabrera added an RBI single and Joe Mauer capped the scoring with a 2-run double.  Ron Mahay allowed a run over 1 2/3 innings, and Bobby Keppel allowed an unearned run before finishing out the win.  The Twins go for the sweep in the Sunday finale, but face probable Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke.  Francisco Liriano gets the start for Minnesota.

Record: 81-73

September 27^th: Royals 4, Twins 1

Zack Greinke dominated the Twins lineup over 7 innings, and Francisco Liriano allowed a 3-run homer to lose for the 13^th time this season, as the Royals salvaged the final game of the series 4-1.  Greinke allowed 1 run on 7 hits with 8 K’s for his 16^th win.  Liriano lasted just 1 2/3 innings and allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks.  Jeff Manship did a nice job in relief, allowing a run on 3 hits with 5 K’s over 3 2/3 innings.  Michael Cuddyer’s RBI groundout produced the only Twins run, who loaded the bases in the 3^rd inning but failed to score, and killing the only real strong scoring chance Minnesota had all game.  The Twins now travel to Detroit for an epic 4-game series that should decide the outcome of the AL Central title.  The Twins send Nick Blackburn to the hill in Monday’s opening game.

Record: 81-74

September 29th, Game 1: Twins 3, Tigers 2, in 10 innings

Nick Blackburn settled down and retired the final 12 batters he faced, and Denard Span took advantage of 2 wild pitches in the 10th inning to score the go-ahead run as the Twins pulled out a 3-2 win in Detroit in the 1st game of the day-night doubleheader and 4-game series. Blackburn lasted 7 innings and allowed just 1 run on 6 hits, all of which coming in the 1st 3+ frames. Span drove in the 1st run in the 5th with a sacrifice fly, and then led off the 10th with a single. After advancing to 3rd on back-to-back wild pitches, Span scored on Orlando Cabrera's RBI single. Cabrera would also score on Delmon Young's sac fly later in the inning. Jose Mijares and Jon Rauch (4-1) combined for 2 innings of shutout relief, and Joe Nathan allowed a solo homer before finishing his 45th save. Brian Duensing starts the nightcap tonight.

Record: 82-74

September 29^th, Game 2: Tigers 6, Twins 5

Justin Verlander held on to win after 8 innings, and Brian Duensing simply didn’t have his best stuff, as the Tigers stopped the Twins’ rally just short and won 6-4 to split the day-night doubleheader.  Duensing lasted just 4 2/3 innings, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits, with all 3 walks coming in the 5^th inning and 2 of those runners scoring against Bobby Keppel.  After falling behind 5-0, Orlando Cabrera’s RBI single and Joe Mauer’s RBI double in the 6^th inning got the Twins on the board, and Mauer’s RBI groundout and Jason Kubel’s RBI double cut the Tigers’ lead to 5-4.  But Curtis Granderson’s solo homer in the bottom of the inning gave the Tigers some insurance, which they would need, as Nick Punto hit an RBI double before he was stranded at 2nd as the tying run in the 9th.  The Twins, still at 2 games back in the division, send Carl Pavano to the mound in the 3^rd game of the series on Wednesday night.

Record: 82-75

September 30^th: Tigers 7, Twins 2

Carl Pavano took his first loss of the season against the Tigers, never finding the ability to pitch down in the zone from the stretch, as the Tigers downed the Twins 7-2 to take the 3^rd game of the series and open a 3-game lead with 4 games to play.  Pavano allowed 4 runs in the 2^nd inning on 2 2-run hits, then a crushing 2-out 3-run double to Magglio Ordonez pushed the game out of reach.  His final line: 7 earned runs, 7 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, loss.  Both Minnesota runs came in the 1^st inning, on RBI singles by Jason Kubel and Delmon Young, but Jose Morales hit into a crushing double play with the bases loaded, killing a potential breakout inning.  Pavano had 3 1-2-3 innings, including striking out the side in the 4^th.  But with men on base, Pavano lacked breaking pitches that could dive down in the strike zone, and failed to get both Miguel Cabrera and Ordonez out with the bases loaded.  With their playoff hopes on life support, the Twins send Scott Baker to the mound in Thursday’s road finale.

Record: 82-76

October 1st: Twins 8, Tigers 3
And just when you think they're dead, the Twins rise up once again. Scott Baker pitched 5 effective innings before being removed after 105 pitches, and Orlando Cabrera's 3-run 8th inning double put the game out of reach, as the Twins routed the Tigers 8-3 in the final game of the series, keeping their very slim playoff hopes alive. Baker allowed 1 unearned run on 5 hits to win his 15th game of 2009, coming up huge in a big spot and avenging a loss to Detroit just 11 days earlier. After falling behind 1-0, Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer each hit RBI singles and Delmon Young followed with a sacrifice fly for a 3-1 lead in the 3rd. Denard Span added an RBI groundout in the 4th as well. After stranding the bases loaded in the 7th, Cabrera came through in the 8th, then scored on Mauer's RBI single to cap the scoring. Ron Mahay and Jon Rauch combined for a scoreless 6th, Matt Guerrier threw 1 2/3 innings with 2 unearned runs, Jose Mijares allowed a hit and a walk before finishing out the 8th, and Joe Nathan pitched the 9th to close out the win. After completing their road schedule at 38-43 and still needing a miracle to reach the postseason, the Twins return home for their final series of the season, and last ever in the Metrodome, against the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Manship gets the start for Minnesota, in place of the ineffective Francisco Liriano.

Record: 83-76

October 2^nd: Twins 10, Royals 7

Jeff Manship once again provided his team with a quality effort, and the Twins survived some shaky bullpen pitching to defeat the Royals 10-7 in the opening game of their final series ever at the Metrodome, and pulling to within 1 game of the Tigers with 2 to play in the AL Central after Detroit lost to Chicago.  Manship’s first 4 innings were scoreless, as he was staked to a 10-0, before running into trouble in the 5^th and 6^th innings.  He finished allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and a walk with 4 K’s, winning his 1^st major league decision.  Jason Kubel got in Minnesota’s on the board in the 1^st inning with an RBI single, and Delmon Young followed 2 batters later with a grand slam to put the Twins ahead 5-0.  Michael Cuddyer and Young drove in runs in the 2^nd for a 7-0 lead as well.  Kubel led off the 4^th with his 25^th homer of the season, Brendan Harris hit an RBI double, and Matt Tolbert capped Minnesota’s scoring with a sac fly.  Manship allowed 2 in the 5^th and combined with Jesse Crain to give up 4 more in the 6^th as the Royals began their comeback.  Bobby Keppel allowed 2 more runs in the 8^th, with Jose Mijares allowing them to score on an RBI single, but Matt Guerrier got the final 2 outs in the inning for his 33^rd hold.  Joe Nathan then completed the 9^th for his 46^th save.  Nick Blackburn gets the start on Saturday afternoon, against probable Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, as the Twins look to gain more ground in the very-entertaining AL Central race.

Record: 84-76

October 3^rd: Twins 5, Royals 4

Nick Blackburn out-dueled likely Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke, and Michael Cuddyer rescued the Twins from collapse with a tie-breaking solo homer in the 8^th inning, as the Twins slipped past the Royals 5-4 to win the 2^nd game of the series, and keep the pressure on the division-leading Tigers.  Blackburn pitched 7+ innings and allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits, failing to win only because of a late disintegration from the bullpen.  Scoreless entering the 6^th inning, Nick Punto led off the bottom of the 6th with a walk against Greinke.  Advancing to 2^nd on a sacrifice and 3^rd on a groundout, Punto scored the game’s first run on a clutch RBI single from likely AL MVP Joe Mauer.  Mauer advanced to 3^rd on a ground-rule double from Jason Kubel, and following Michael Cuddyer’s hit-by-pitch, Delmon Young continued his clutch hitting with a 3-run bases-clearing double for a 4-0 Twins lead.  Blackburn allowed a solo homer in the 7^th, then a leadoff double in the 8^th before departing, but the lead still appeared safe.  Unfortunately, Jose Mijares could not hold the lead, allowing a 2-run homer and a single before giving way to Jon Rauch.  Rauch (7-3) would allow another single before inducing a double play and a fly out, but not before the tying run would score.  Fortunately for Minnesota, Cuddyer would crush his 31^st homer of the year with 1 out in the bottom of the 8^th, putting the Twins back in front to stay.  Joe Nathan came on to retire the side in order in the 9^th for his 47^th save of the season.  With the AL Central title on the line, veteran Carl Pavano gets the start in the final (regular season) game ever in the Metrodome.  Minnesota, now tied with Detroit atop the Central, can win the division with a win and a Tigers loss on Sunday.

Record: 85-76

October 4^th: Twins 13, Royals 4

The final regular season game at the Metrodome had a strong outcome for Minnesota… except that it forced another game to be played there.  Carl Pavano pitched 5 2/3 effective innings on 3 days rest and Jason Kubel and Delmon Young each homered twice to power Minnesota to a 13-4 beat down of the Royals, sweeping their series and forcing a 1-game playoff at the Metrodome on Tuesday.  Pavano allowed 4 runs on 8 hits with 7 strikeouts, improving to 5-4 since coming to the Twins.  Kubel didn’t waste much time, hitting an upper-deck shot for a 3-run homer, his 26^th of the year, getting the Twins on the board in the 1^st.  Young continued his hot-hitting by following Kubel with a solo shot, his 11^th for a 4-0 Twins 1^st inning lead.  Kubel hit his 27^th homer in the 3^rd; another 3-run shot extending Minnesota’s lead to 7-0.  Young hit his 12^th of the year in the 5^th, giving Minnesota an 8-1 lead.  The Royals rallied for 3 runs in the 6^th and loaded the bases with 2 out, knocking Pavano out and rendering Bobby Keppel ineffective (0 IP, 2 H).  But Jon Rauch struck out Billy Butler, preserving the Twins lead and changing the momentum.  Orlando Cabrera drove in the Twins 9^th run with an RBI double in the bottom of the inning, and Matt Tolbert drove in the 10^th run in the 7^th with an RBI double of his own.  Cabrera hit another RBI double in the 8^th, and Michael Cuddyer capped the scoring with a 2-run blast, his 32^nd homer of the season.  With Detroit’s win, the Twins and Tigers are tied atop the AL Central, forcing a 1-game tiebreaking game to be held on Tuesday at the Metrodome, beginning at 5 PM ET.  Scott Baker gets the start for Minnesota in the biggest game of his young career.

Record: 86-76

October 6^th: Twins 6, Tigers 5, in 12 innings

Former Twins great Gary Gaetti said it best: “Never leave early, because you never know what might happen.”  The Metrodome has provided many miracles for its hosts, and Tuesday night, October 6^th, 2009 certainly did not disappoint.  The Twins rallied back from a 3-0 deficit, blew a 4-3 lead, rallied back from down 5-4, and finally won the game in the bottom of the 12^th inning on a base hit from the same man who won the 1^st Twins win of the regular season on a walk-off single, Alexi Casilla.  Scott Baker got the start in the biggest game of his life, but fell behind early 3-0 following Miguel Cabrera’s crushing 2-run homer.  Baker would allow 3 runs on 6 hits over 6+ innings, settling down after some early struggles.  The Minnesota offense immediately responded to Cabrera’s homer, as Matt Tolbert scampered home from 3^rd on an errant pickoff throw to 1^st from Tigers starter Rick Porcello.  Jason Kubel hit a towering home run over the baggie in left field in the 6^th inning to bring the Twins within 3-2, but Minnesota failed to tie the game in the inning after loading the bases with 2 out, as Tolbert flew out to center to end the threat.  The 7^th inning brought more magic to the Dome, as Orlando Cabrera took a Zack Miner hanging slider into the left field seats, a 2-run blast giving Minnesota a 4-3 lead, his 9^th homer of the year.  The lead would be short-lived, as Magglio Ordonez sent the 2^nd pitch he saw from Matt Guerrier into the left field seats to tie the game at 4-4.  Joe Nathan comes in with 2 on and 1 out in the inning and gets a pop out and a strikeout to get out of the inning.  Nathan gave up 2 singles to lead off the 9^th inning, then struck out Placido Polanco and got a miraculous double play off Ordonez, as SS Orlando Cabrera caught the drive and threw back to 1^st to double off Curtis Granderson.  Nick Punto was stranded at 2^nd in the bottom of the 9^th, and the game went to extra innings.  Brandon Inge hit an RBI double with 2 out in the 10^th to put Detroit up 5-4, what appeared to be the dagger.  But the Twins refused to lose.  Michael Cuddyer’s base hit to left was misplayed into a triple, and 3 batters later, Matt Tolbert hit an 0-2 bouncer up the middle to tie the game and send Casilla to 3^rd.  Nick Punto flew out to left with what appeared to be the game-winning sac fly, but Tigers LF Ryan Raburn atoned for his earlier error by throwing out Casilla at the plate to extend the game.  After both teams went down in order in the 12^th, the Tigers loaded the bases with 1 out against Bobby Keppel in the 12^th.  But Nick Punto threw out the go-ahead run at the plate, and then Keppel struck out C Gerald Laird to keep the game tied.  Carlos Gomez, and earlier defensive replacement for Jason Kubel, singled to left to lead off the decisive Twins 12^th.  Cuddyer grounded out to 3^rd, with Gomez advancing to 2^nd.  After an intentional walk to Delmon Young, Casilla bounced a 1-1 pitch through the right side of the infield, and Carlos Gomez flew around 3^rd to score the division-winning run and send the Twins into a crazed frenzy.  American League Central Champions for the 5^th time in the last 8 years, the Twins now turn around to get on a plane to the Bronx to open their American League Division Series against the powerful and heavily-favored New York Yankees.  Rookie Brian Duensing starts the opening game of the series on Wednesday night.

Record: 87-76

October 7th, Game 1 of the ALDS:
Yankees 7, Twins 2
The Twins' momentum from their division-clinching win one night earlier was quickly short-circuited, as Brian Duensing struggled for the 2nd straight start and the Yankees rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to beat the Twins 7-2 in the opening game of the American League Division Series. Duensing allowed 5 runs on 7 hits over 4 2/3 innings, losing an early 2-0 lead thanks to a 2-run homer by Derek Jeter. The Twins jumped on C.C. Sabathia in the 3rd inning, getting 2 runs on 4 hits against him, including Michael Cuddyer's RBI single. But the lead didn't last long, and Sabathia settled down after that. Francisco Liriano came on in relief and gave up a 2-run homer to Hideki Matsui, but Jon Rauch and Ron Mahay had scoreless outings. After an off-day Thursday, the Twins return to Yankee Stadium for Game 2, and send Nick Blackburn to the mound to try to even the series.

Yankees lead series 1-0

October 9^th, Game 2 of ALDS:

Yankees 4, Twins 3, in 11 innings

There are highs in sports, and there are lows in sports.  Friday night, October 9^th, 2009 definitely qualifies as a low for the Minnesota Twins.  Taking a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 9^th inning, Joe Nathan failed to hold the lead by allowing a 2-run homer to Alex Rodriguez.  The Twins would eventual lose on a walkoff home run by Mark Teixeira, their 4^th walkoff loss against the Yankees this year and 3^rd by walkoff homer, and fell behind 2-0 in the best-of-5 series.  Nick Blackburn started and threw 5 2/3 brilliant innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits in his playoff debut, but allowed an RBI single to Rodriguez, the final batter he faced that tied the game at 1-1.  After the 1^st 5 innings were scoreless, Brendan Harris pinch-hit for Matt Tolbert and hit a 2-out RBI triple off Yankees starter A.J. Burnett for a brief 1-0 Twins lead.  Ron Mahay got the final out of the 6^th to keep the game tied, and after a scoreless 7^th from Jon Rauch, the Twins rallied against Phil Hughes in the 8^th.  After the 1^st 2 batters were retired, Carlos Gomez, who had made a critical base-running mistake by getting tagged out for the final out of the 5^th before Delmon Young could score, drew a walk, then went to 3^rd on a single by Harris.  Nick Punto then drove a curveball on a 2-2 pitch to center field for the go-ahead RBI single, ending Hughes’ night.  Denard Span followed with an RBI single of his own against all-world Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, and the Twins all-of-a-sudden had a 3-1 lead.  Matt Guerrier set down the Yankees in order in the 8^th for the hold, and turned it over to Nathan in the 9^th.  But after a leadoff single from Teixiera, Rodriguez launched a 3-1 fastball from Nathan over the fence in deep right-center field, tying the game at 3-3.  The Twins had their chances in extra innings, getting 1^st and 3^rd with 2 outs in the 10^th and the bases loaded with nobody out in the 11^th, but failed both times.  In the bottom of the 10^th, the Twins got out of a 1^st and 3^rd, 1 out situation with a line-drive double play, with Orlando Cabrera catching a line drive and doubling off Brett Gardner at 3^rd.  The 11^th was the killer for Minnesota, who watched Joe Mauer lead off the inning with what should have been a double down the left field line that was ruled foul, then end up singling.  Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer followed with singles, loading the bases with nobody out.  But displaying that lack of patience that has killed the Twins in the past, Young and Gomez both swung at the 1^st pitch and ended up making outs.  Harris then flew out to end the threat.  Teixiera then ended the game by hitting a line-drive homer off Jose Mijares that landed just over the fence down the left-field line.  Trying to regroup and stave off elimination, the Twins return home for game 3 on Sunday night.  Ex-Yankee Carl Pavano gets the start for Minnesota.

Yankees lead series 2-0

October 11^th, Game 3 of ALDS:

Yankees 4, Twins 1

And so it was an unceremonious exit from the 2009 postseason for the Minnesota Twins, who also played their final game ever in the Metrodome.  Carl Pavano was nothing short of sensational, but couldn’t be perfect, and that’s all the Yankees needed to rally for the 4-1 win.  Pavano pitched 7 innings and allowed just 5 hits, with a career postseason-best 9 strikeouts, with extra velocity on his fastball and movement on his breaking pitches.  But he also allowed 2 runs – 7^th inning on solo homers by Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada – which proved to be the killers.  The Twins did nothing against Yanks starter Andy Pettitte until 2 outs in the 6^th inning, as Denard Span singled and stole second, and Orlando Cabrera walked.  Joe Mauer then grounded an RBI single through to left field to give the Twins an ever-so-brief 1-0 lead.  The Twins bullpen allowed 2 more runs in the 9^th inning, as Ron Mahay, Jon Rauch, and Jose Mijares each walked a batter before Joe Nathan allowed back-to-back RBI singles.  Mariano Rivera, as he’s done so many times before, came in to lock down the 4-out save.  Nick Punto also committed a devastating base-running error in the bottom of the 8^th, straying too far from 3^rd base following his double and a single up the middle by Denard Span.  Still, the Twins had a remarkable season, and it’ll be exciting to play in Target Field next season.
Yankees win series 3-0