Coliseum Comeback

The Minnesota Twins always seem to gravitate towards games with crazy twists and turns of the comeback variety. Last night was no different at Oakland’s Coliseum as the hometown Athletics completed an improbably come-from-behind, business-like 14-13 victory. Oakland rallied to beat Minnesota from 10 runs down to cap off the franchise’s second greatest comeback in history.
Minnesota’s Michael Cuddyer was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch thrown by Michael Wuertz in the top of the 9th inning. A’s catcher, Kurt Suzuki, tossed to Wuertz covering the plate. The reliever tagged Cuddyer after the Twins’ right fielder appeared to slide safely into home. Home plate umpire Mike Muchlinski called Cuddyer out to end the elaborate game.
The memorable Monday night mauling featured an atrocious outing from Oakland starter, Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez exited to a chorus of boos after allowing 11 runs in just 2 2/3 innings on the mound. The early onslaught was highlighted by Justin Morneau pounding a 3-2 fastball for a grand slam in the second inning. Cuddyer followed with a solo shot off the fidgety flamethrower to make it an 8-2 Minnesota lead. Gonzalez served up four homeruns before his abysmal 89 pitching evening was over. Morneau;s double dipped in the third inning for a three run blast that spelled the end of Gonzalez. Designated hitter, Jason Kubel, clubbed the first long ball by either team during the slugfest when he connected for his 16th homer of the year in the opening frame. The grand slam by Morneau was the All-star’s second of the season on his career-high seven RBI night.
Minnesota couldn’t hold a 12-2 lead despite being handed the gift from the home team. They were spared the biggest collapse ever by a Twins team, but did manage to match the mark set on September 28, 1984 when they blew a 10 run lead to the Cleveland Indians.
Matt Holliday, the A’s .284 hitting left fielder, jacked a pair of homeruns, including his fourth career slam off Bobby Keppel. Holliday also socked two doubles and drove in six runs. One pitch after Holliday’s grand slam, Jack Cust came to the plate and greeted Minnesota’s Jose Mijares with a solo long ball. Cust’s crush completed Oakland’s comeback, providing the A’s with the 14-13 lead they would need to win the game.
Nick Blackburn was staked a secure enough advantage but left after five innings, surrendering 13 hits. The Twins allowed their most hits and runs of 2009 when Oakland rallied for seven tallies off three relievers in the 7th inning. Oakland’s season high 22 hits and 14 runs came on an evening that saw Craig Breslow pick up the win and Wuertz his third save in four chances.
Adam Kennedy, the A’s third base leadoff man, batted six times. He had three hits and a stolen base, but did not collect an RBI. It mattered little, as the heart of Oakland’s order feasted on the Twins’ bullpen. Orlando Cabrera, Scott Hairson, Holliday and Cust combined for 12 hits and 11 RBIs. Mark Ellis blooped a shot to the outfield after fouling off a catchable pop fly misplayed by Minnesota. Cabrera followed with an integral base hit that nipped the inside of the first baseline and scooted into foul territory.
Cuddyer and Twins manager, Ron Gardenhire, argued the final call at the plate. They were probably stunned by the finale, but weren’t so surprised by Oakland pitching. They had the A’s staff figured out. The team scattered 17 hits off a staff (not including Brett Anderson) that has gone 0-6 with a 9.53 ERA since July 6th. The middle of Minnesota’s lineup went 10-for13 and accounted for all the Twins’ homeruns and 12 of the 13 RBIs.
I can’t wait for the next game between these teams.

Parting points: The Yankees are tied for first place again. Hopefully, it will last a little longer than last time.