Minnesota right-hander, Carl Pavano, tossed his fourth complete game and earned his sixth consecutive decision after the Twins edged the Whitesox 3-2 at Target Field Saturday. Pavano outdueled Chicago lefty, Mark Buehrle, to improve his record to 11-6 and stifle the central division rival Whitesox. Buehrle’s only blemish was a three-run second inning where the Twins grabbed the lead for good. Two of the game’s fastest workers, Pavano outpitched Buehrle to help Minnesota pull within two and a half games of division-leading Chicago. It was the shortest Twins game since 2007. Pavano struck out six, gave up seven hits and did not issue a walk through the complete outing.
Chicago got on board in the top of the first on Paul Konerko’s single to right. Konerko remained a nemesis for the Minnesota hurler, launching his 21st homerun of the year in the fourth to put the Sox within one run of tying the game. Konerko now has 66 RBIs on the season. Pavano got into a rhythm, however, buckling down and throttling the south side sluggers. Delmon Young, Jason Kubel and Danny Valencia provided all the offense the Twins would need to back their starter. The heart of Chicago’s order came through with the bats in the second frame. Young, who leads the Twins in RBIs, singled in the first Minnesota tally and Kubel followed with a RBI triple. Valencia nearly missed a homerun off Buehrle, settling instead for a run-scoring double to give his team a 3-1 lead. The Twins were distinguished on defense too. Chicago speedster, Juan Pierre, was thrown out by rookie backstop, Drew Butera, stealing second base with two outs in the eighth.
The Whitesox threatened in the top of the ninth but Pavano escaped the jam. Omar Vizquel led off the inning with a double, representing the tying run for the visiting team. Pavano retired the next three batters and finished with 104 pitches thrown. The Sox look to get back to their pre-break surge again in game two tonight at Target Field. Nick Blackburn opposes Chicago’s Freddy Garcia.
Parting Points: Brad Miller to the Rockets?
Nice going, A.J. Burnett.
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Twins. Show all posts
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Torn Twins Torched
Andy Pettitte’s cutters were crisp and his curveballs crafty as the veteran Yankee southpaw two-hit the Minnesota Twins in a commanding 7-1 New York victory yesterday afternoon. Mark Teixeira and Jorge Posada led the Bomber offense with a pair of two-run seventh inning blasts off the Twins’ bullpen. Stingy starter, Francisco Liriano, tossed six innings and allowed three runs, but Minnesota failed to conquer the Yankees in New York for the tenth straight time. The Yankees improved to 24-12 on the young year and 7-1 against the Twins.
Pinstriped Pettitte was vintage in his first return to the mound since a 10 day stint on the disabled list. The 37 year old lefty won his fifth game while shutting out the Twins through 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte walked three, struck out two and left the mound with a 3-0 lead in the seventh. The Yankee ace is tied for the league lead in wins and owns the lowest ERA of his career at 1.89 this season. Pettitte required just 22 batters in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. The Yankees defense helped keep runners off base with outstanding fielding in aid of Andy. Brett Gardner’s diving shoestring stab stopped leadoff man, Denard Span, from reaching base on a hard liner during the first frame. Nick Swisher added his own pretty catch with a sparkling third inning grab to rob Drew Butera of an extra base hit.
New York plated two runs to provide Pettitte with a small cushion through two innings. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his Twins’ pounding with an RBI single in the first inning. Derek Jeter knocked home the second Yankee run in the second frame for his 23rd of the season. The Yankees scored again in the sixth as they chipped away at a settled-in Liriano. Liriano allowed nine hits and fanned seven, including striking out the side twice. The Minnesota moundsman served up a Marcus Thames single in the sixth, yielding his third earned run. Pettitte survived a tough test in the top of the sixth as his control wavered, but the lefty held on to get out of the inning unscathed.
The Twins were unable to dent New York’s pitching until the eighth when the game was already out of reach. Jesse Cain and Ron Mahay severed any chance for the Twins to come back. Cain was summoned in the seventh from Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen. The reliever walked Swisher and gave up a Teixeira tater, both on full counts. Gardenhire pulled Cain after the hurler allowed Rodriguez to double and induced a Robinson Cano groundout. Mahay took over the hill with excruciating results for the Twins. Posada drove Mahay’s 1-1 offering over the centerfield wall for a 7-0 New York advantage. It was the backstop’s eighth homer and one of three hits on the afternoon. Minnesota put their only run on the board during a three hit eighth inning. DH Joe Mauer singled off Boone Logan for one of seven Twins’ hits. Logan allowed four hits in the ten batters he faced but the Bomber bullpen kept the win in tact. The series concludes today in New York with Sergio Mitre scheduled to start against Minnesota’s Nick Blackburn. Mitre is seeking his first win of the season. The righty is starting because of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Blackburn, also a righty, is coming off his best start of the season, a seven inning shutout over Baltimore. The Twins will try to prevent a series sweep on the road and end the incredible current Yankee run against their ballclub.
Parting Points: Poem of the day- “Miracles” by Walt Whitman
Pinstriped Pettitte was vintage in his first return to the mound since a 10 day stint on the disabled list. The 37 year old lefty won his fifth game while shutting out the Twins through 6 1/3 innings. Pettitte walked three, struck out two and left the mound with a 3-0 lead in the seventh. The Yankee ace is tied for the league lead in wins and owns the lowest ERA of his career at 1.89 this season. Pettitte required just 22 batters in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. The Yankees defense helped keep runners off base with outstanding fielding in aid of Andy. Brett Gardner’s diving shoestring stab stopped leadoff man, Denard Span, from reaching base on a hard liner during the first frame. Nick Swisher added his own pretty catch with a sparkling third inning grab to rob Drew Butera of an extra base hit.
New York plated two runs to provide Pettitte with a small cushion through two innings. All-star third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his Twins’ pounding with an RBI single in the first inning. Derek Jeter knocked home the second Yankee run in the second frame for his 23rd of the season. The Yankees scored again in the sixth as they chipped away at a settled-in Liriano. Liriano allowed nine hits and fanned seven, including striking out the side twice. The Minnesota moundsman served up a Marcus Thames single in the sixth, yielding his third earned run. Pettitte survived a tough test in the top of the sixth as his control wavered, but the lefty held on to get out of the inning unscathed.
The Twins were unable to dent New York’s pitching until the eighth when the game was already out of reach. Jesse Cain and Ron Mahay severed any chance for the Twins to come back. Cain was summoned in the seventh from Ron Gardenhire’s bullpen. The reliever walked Swisher and gave up a Teixeira tater, both on full counts. Gardenhire pulled Cain after the hurler allowed Rodriguez to double and induced a Robinson Cano groundout. Mahay took over the hill with excruciating results for the Twins. Posada drove Mahay’s 1-1 offering over the centerfield wall for a 7-0 New York advantage. It was the backstop’s eighth homer and one of three hits on the afternoon. Minnesota put their only run on the board during a three hit eighth inning. DH Joe Mauer singled off Boone Logan for one of seven Twins’ hits. Logan allowed four hits in the ten batters he faced but the Bomber bullpen kept the win in tact. The series concludes today in New York with Sergio Mitre scheduled to start against Minnesota’s Nick Blackburn. Mitre is seeking his first win of the season. The righty is starting because of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Blackburn, also a righty, is coming off his best start of the season, a seven inning shutout over Baltimore. The Twins will try to prevent a series sweep on the road and end the incredible current Yankee run against their ballclub.
Parting Points: Poem of the day- “Miracles” by Walt Whitman
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Twins on Target
Minnesota raced out to a 2-0 lead during the opening frame of first ever game at the new Target Field in Minneapolis. The Twins tacked on three more runs to top the Boston Red Sox 5-2 in convincing fashion. Minnesota battered Boston starter, Jon Lester early to take control of the contest. Lester struggled with control from the start, walking Denard Span to begin the game. Span’s pass was followed by an Orlando Hudson single before Lester retired the dangerous due, backstop Joe Mauer and first baseman, Justin Morneau. Minnesota’s Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel clubbed back-to-back RBI singles to give the Twins two tallies in their first trip to the plate. The Red Sox never recovered.
Carl Pavano dazzled for the Twins and improved his season record to 2-0. Pavano pitched six innings of one run ball and allowed just four hits. Lester allowed five runs in four innings. The lefty was laced with nine hits. Kubel was the offensive hero for Minnesota in the 2010 grand home debut. The 27 year old DH socked the first homerun of the new ballpark and finished 3-for-4 at the plate. Kubel began the seventh inning with a bang, rocking a 2-2 pitch to right field to give the Twins a 4-1 lead. Minnesota recorded 12 hits in front of their hometown crowd. Mauer collected three hits and a pair of RBIs. His slicing double down the left field line in the bottom of the second inning secured a 3-0 advantage for Pavano. Nick Punto singled, stole a base, scored and made a few exceptional plays in the field for the Twins.
Both teams recorded runs in the fourth inning. Boston got a double from slipping slugger, David Ortiz in the top of the fourth for one of the few Boston highlights. Kevin Youkilis scored on Big Papi’s base hit to put the Sox on the scoreboard. Boston didn’t reach home again until the eighth, by which time it was too little, too late. Dustin Pedroia’s sacrifice fly to Cuddyer in right field scored the ninth hitter, Jeremy Hermida from third. Jon Rauch put the finishing touches on a memorable first game with a perfect ninth for his second save. Pavano earned the win, while striking out four. The Twins’ fourth frame run came on Mauer’s infield single in the breezy 65 degree Minnesota ballpark. Monday was the first home game in a non-indoor venue since the 1981 season. The Twins will throw right-hander Kevin Slowey against Boston newcomer, John Lackey on Wednesday. Lackey is coming off a strong Red Sox debut in which he shutout New York for six solid frames. Minnesota wraps up the first Target Field series Thursday. Southpaw flamethrower, Francisco Liriano toes the rubber for the Twins against Beantown veteran knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield.
Parting Points: Song of the day-“Hanging by a Moment” by Lifehouse
“You can observe a lot just by watching”- Yogi Berra
Carl Pavano dazzled for the Twins and improved his season record to 2-0. Pavano pitched six innings of one run ball and allowed just four hits. Lester allowed five runs in four innings. The lefty was laced with nine hits. Kubel was the offensive hero for Minnesota in the 2010 grand home debut. The 27 year old DH socked the first homerun of the new ballpark and finished 3-for-4 at the plate. Kubel began the seventh inning with a bang, rocking a 2-2 pitch to right field to give the Twins a 4-1 lead. Minnesota recorded 12 hits in front of their hometown crowd. Mauer collected three hits and a pair of RBIs. His slicing double down the left field line in the bottom of the second inning secured a 3-0 advantage for Pavano. Nick Punto singled, stole a base, scored and made a few exceptional plays in the field for the Twins.
Both teams recorded runs in the fourth inning. Boston got a double from slipping slugger, David Ortiz in the top of the fourth for one of the few Boston highlights. Kevin Youkilis scored on Big Papi’s base hit to put the Sox on the scoreboard. Boston didn’t reach home again until the eighth, by which time it was too little, too late. Dustin Pedroia’s sacrifice fly to Cuddyer in right field scored the ninth hitter, Jeremy Hermida from third. Jon Rauch put the finishing touches on a memorable first game with a perfect ninth for his second save. Pavano earned the win, while striking out four. The Twins’ fourth frame run came on Mauer’s infield single in the breezy 65 degree Minnesota ballpark. Monday was the first home game in a non-indoor venue since the 1981 season. The Twins will throw right-hander Kevin Slowey against Boston newcomer, John Lackey on Wednesday. Lackey is coming off a strong Red Sox debut in which he shutout New York for six solid frames. Minnesota wraps up the first Target Field series Thursday. Southpaw flamethrower, Francisco Liriano toes the rubber for the Twins against Beantown veteran knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield.
Parting Points: Song of the day-“Hanging by a Moment” by Lifehouse
“You can observe a lot just by watching”- Yogi Berra
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
One On
The Metrodome was the scene of jubilee for the Minnesota Twins yesterday. It was a contrite venue for the losing Detroit Tigers after 12 innings of bloodbath baseball sent the visitors home without an entry into the playoffs. The Bronx-bound Minnesota bats begin a best-of-five series in New York against the AL East’s elite Yankees. The never-say-die Twins are the underdogs to the trendier men in pinstripes. But don’t throw your peanuts all on New York just yet. If history proves anything in this wonderful game, it’s that the hottest team heading into the playoffs has an edge. Winners of 17 of their last 21 games, culminating with yesterday’s tremendous victory, the Twins mark their return to the ALDS. Granted, the Bombers are equally as ardent as the snappy sluggers in Minnesota. The Twins took initiative by defeating the Tigers in a mini one-game playoff. Not only did they win in extra innings after relinquishing their small lead, but they never let the game slip away despite spotting Detroit an early 3-0 advantage. Minnesota knocked the Tigers out of contention 6-5 yesterday. Today they try to slay a bigger dragon in the Bronx.
The reward for overcoming a seven game deficit in the AL Central means the Twins play the best team in baseball in a short series. The Twins may be exhausted after surviving the 12 inning epic game with Detroit, not to mention the past three weeks of the playoff push. The Tigers’ bullpen squandered safe leads to spell Detroit’s demise. The Yankees, with Mariano Rivera the highlight of relief pitchers in the pen, should not be expected to suffer the same fate. Rivera’s career 0.77 ERA in the playoffs is one reason, and it’s a big one, the Yankees will take this series. New York captured seven of the seven games against Minnesota this season. The Bombers’ offense set a franchise record in homeruns and the rotation is well rested. The Twins can’t claim a rested rotation or bullpen, and are without hit machine, Justin Morneau. You can argue Minnesota won games without Justin in the lineup for a month, but the other players will have to step it up two notches against the seasoned Yankee hurlers. The Twins have only an average rotation and a vulnerable bullpen. Mark Teixeira hit .483 with four homeruns against Minnesota pitching in 2009. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill in game one Wednesday. Southpaw, Brian Duensing will toe the rubber in his 10th game opposing the former CY Young winner and the potent New York batters. Duensing, a rookie, carried the rotation down the stretch of the season. Sabathia is 13-8 with a 3.05 ERA in 28 starts against Minnesota. Everybody knows those statistics mean virtually nothing come October.
Game two pits 13-9 A.J. Burnett of New York against 11-11 Nick Blackburn. Both pitchers boast almost identical ERAs just above 4.0 this season. Former Yankee, Carl Pavano is slated to throw in game three, with veteran Andy Pettitte on the mound for New York. The Bombers outscored the Twins 41-25 this season, so it’s vital Minnesota contain the offense and prohibit their runs early in the series. Light-hitting backup catcher, Jose Molina, will start game two with Burnett. The longtime Yankees star will likely sit the bench during A.J.’s starts as Hideki Matsui gets the nod at designated hitter. The lineup Rod Gardenhire will throw at New York starters is lead by MVP, Joe Mauer. The low-key player has a sweet swing and already has three batting titles to his young resume. Mauer continually leads the league in on-base-percentage. The team’s early inconsistency this season stemmed from lack of offense from the bottom third of the lineup. The Twins will need to be a full-force lineup in order to advance to the next round. Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, Nick Punto and Orlando Cabrera are all capable of game-changing at-bats, along with Mauer. Cabrera is the Twins’ sparkplug, with his leadership qualities, incredible defense and big bat. This team has nothing to lose and they have proven when they put their minds to it, can oust any other team in the league. If the Twins’ hitters get the better of Sabathia, Burnett or Pettitte, the Yankees will need to use their relievers resourcefully and strategically. That’s where manager, Joe Girardi’s, effective decision-making becomes essential. Tonight is the first post-season berth of the first-year Yankee manager’s career.
It’s now an hour before game time. New York is a 5 ½-1 outrageous, heavy favorite to win the series. The Yankees are the most illustrious franchise in major league sports. However, the Twins score early exceedingly well. They never surrendered hope and are a venerable bunch of professionals. The tired team may have expended too much energy to match the Yankees on this October evening. The weather in New York is windy and in the upper 60’s. The temperature is supposed to drop to a chilly 50 degrees. The 35-40 mph swirling wind could play a major factor in pop flies. The Twins are in town after their taut thriller on Tuesday. Alexi Casilla, a .202 hitter for Minnesota, clubbed the game-winning RBI against the Tigers. The single to right field scored Carlos Gomez from second base. The Twins also got a big boost from the shortstop they acquired at the July 31st trade deadline. Cabrera has been more than payoff in helping the Twins become division champions. He finished the regular season with a 16-game hitting streak, stroking .411 over that span. The Twins have some men that can burn around the bases, including Cabrera. The Yankees’ outfield arms are not up to par if the Twins choose to run tonight. Sabathia and his $181 million contract will be tested. The Yankees and Twins are both back in the playoffs after a year hiatus, but the expectations for New York far exceed their opponents’. The 29 year old Sabathia ranked fourth in ERA and innings pitched in the AL this year. His post-season past is nothing to write home about but the Bombers are still confident with their ace on the mound. This year, C.C.’s workload was less taxing than other years leading up to October. The Twins scribbled in 12 pitchers for this series, leaving infielder, Brian Buscher, off the roster. Mauer is the best hitter in the Twins’ lineup, but he has struggled against Sabathia throughout his career. Girardi will probably instruct his hurlers not to pitch to the power hitter. It may become a concern if the bullpen has to contain him. Mauer will serve the ball to any part of the field when give even one opportunity. The southpaw has limited more than just Mauer. Cuddyer, Cabrera and Delmon Young have also been stopped in the past by C.C. The Twins will take their swings with diligence. Kubel and Cuddyer are having spectacular years, and present a dangerous left-handed power threat. But, the stacked Yankee rotation should be able to shut down their foes. The Minnesota magic must be torn tonight.
Parting Points: Braylon Edwards was traded from the Cleveland Browns to New York. The problem is, he went to the wrong NY football team. Good move for Gang Green, despite the receivers’ dropped pass problem.
The reward for overcoming a seven game deficit in the AL Central means the Twins play the best team in baseball in a short series. The Twins may be exhausted after surviving the 12 inning epic game with Detroit, not to mention the past three weeks of the playoff push. The Tigers’ bullpen squandered safe leads to spell Detroit’s demise. The Yankees, with Mariano Rivera the highlight of relief pitchers in the pen, should not be expected to suffer the same fate. Rivera’s career 0.77 ERA in the playoffs is one reason, and it’s a big one, the Yankees will take this series. New York captured seven of the seven games against Minnesota this season. The Bombers’ offense set a franchise record in homeruns and the rotation is well rested. The Twins can’t claim a rested rotation or bullpen, and are without hit machine, Justin Morneau. You can argue Minnesota won games without Justin in the lineup for a month, but the other players will have to step it up two notches against the seasoned Yankee hurlers. The Twins have only an average rotation and a vulnerable bullpen. Mark Teixeira hit .483 with four homeruns against Minnesota pitching in 2009. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill in game one Wednesday. Southpaw, Brian Duensing will toe the rubber in his 10th game opposing the former CY Young winner and the potent New York batters. Duensing, a rookie, carried the rotation down the stretch of the season. Sabathia is 13-8 with a 3.05 ERA in 28 starts against Minnesota. Everybody knows those statistics mean virtually nothing come October.
Game two pits 13-9 A.J. Burnett of New York against 11-11 Nick Blackburn. Both pitchers boast almost identical ERAs just above 4.0 this season. Former Yankee, Carl Pavano is slated to throw in game three, with veteran Andy Pettitte on the mound for New York. The Bombers outscored the Twins 41-25 this season, so it’s vital Minnesota contain the offense and prohibit their runs early in the series. Light-hitting backup catcher, Jose Molina, will start game two with Burnett. The longtime Yankees star will likely sit the bench during A.J.’s starts as Hideki Matsui gets the nod at designated hitter. The lineup Rod Gardenhire will throw at New York starters is lead by MVP, Joe Mauer. The low-key player has a sweet swing and already has three batting titles to his young resume. Mauer continually leads the league in on-base-percentage. The team’s early inconsistency this season stemmed from lack of offense from the bottom third of the lineup. The Twins will need to be a full-force lineup in order to advance to the next round. Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, Nick Punto and Orlando Cabrera are all capable of game-changing at-bats, along with Mauer. Cabrera is the Twins’ sparkplug, with his leadership qualities, incredible defense and big bat. This team has nothing to lose and they have proven when they put their minds to it, can oust any other team in the league. If the Twins’ hitters get the better of Sabathia, Burnett or Pettitte, the Yankees will need to use their relievers resourcefully and strategically. That’s where manager, Joe Girardi’s, effective decision-making becomes essential. Tonight is the first post-season berth of the first-year Yankee manager’s career.
It’s now an hour before game time. New York is a 5 ½-1 outrageous, heavy favorite to win the series. The Yankees are the most illustrious franchise in major league sports. However, the Twins score early exceedingly well. They never surrendered hope and are a venerable bunch of professionals. The tired team may have expended too much energy to match the Yankees on this October evening. The weather in New York is windy and in the upper 60’s. The temperature is supposed to drop to a chilly 50 degrees. The 35-40 mph swirling wind could play a major factor in pop flies. The Twins are in town after their taut thriller on Tuesday. Alexi Casilla, a .202 hitter for Minnesota, clubbed the game-winning RBI against the Tigers. The single to right field scored Carlos Gomez from second base. The Twins also got a big boost from the shortstop they acquired at the July 31st trade deadline. Cabrera has been more than payoff in helping the Twins become division champions. He finished the regular season with a 16-game hitting streak, stroking .411 over that span. The Twins have some men that can burn around the bases, including Cabrera. The Yankees’ outfield arms are not up to par if the Twins choose to run tonight. Sabathia and his $181 million contract will be tested. The Yankees and Twins are both back in the playoffs after a year hiatus, but the expectations for New York far exceed their opponents’. The 29 year old Sabathia ranked fourth in ERA and innings pitched in the AL this year. His post-season past is nothing to write home about but the Bombers are still confident with their ace on the mound. This year, C.C.’s workload was less taxing than other years leading up to October. The Twins scribbled in 12 pitchers for this series, leaving infielder, Brian Buscher, off the roster. Mauer is the best hitter in the Twins’ lineup, but he has struggled against Sabathia throughout his career. Girardi will probably instruct his hurlers not to pitch to the power hitter. It may become a concern if the bullpen has to contain him. Mauer will serve the ball to any part of the field when give even one opportunity. The southpaw has limited more than just Mauer. Cuddyer, Cabrera and Delmon Young have also been stopped in the past by C.C. The Twins will take their swings with diligence. Kubel and Cuddyer are having spectacular years, and present a dangerous left-handed power threat. But, the stacked Yankee rotation should be able to shut down their foes. The Minnesota magic must be torn tonight.
Parting Points: Braylon Edwards was traded from the Cleveland Browns to New York. The problem is, he went to the wrong NY football team. Good move for Gang Green, despite the receivers’ dropped pass problem.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Last Licks
Today is the final day of the regular season in baseball. The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins are hoping Sunday is not their last ballgame of 2009. The Tigers began the last month with a sizable lead in the AL central. The Twins made it their main goal to present a challenge for the title. They succeeded in quickly uncoiling Detroit’s post-season aspirations by pushing the division race to the last day. Victimized by none other than their own quarrels, the Tigers are now in a must-win situation. Should they lose to the Chicago Whitesox today and Minnesota foil the Kansas City Royals, it will be the Twins’ playoff dreams that materialize. The Twins missed out on the playoffs in 2008 after losing a one-game playoff to Chicago to decide which team would advance. They sure don’t want a repeat performance in 2009.
Joe Mauer delivered the biggest hit in MVP-like manner Saturday, as the Twins rallied to beat Zack Greinke and the Royals. The Twins had a speedy Nick Punto on third with two outs when Mauer stepped to the plate. His two-out single off the ace broke a sixth inning scoreless affair. Minnesota increased their lead to 4-0 on Delmon Young’s three-run double later in the frame. Fill-in first baseman, Michael Cuddyer, cracked the go-ahead solo homerun in the eighth to cement what would be the eventual 5-4 win in Minneapolis. The former right-fielder was converted into an infielder after Justin Moreneau was shelved early in September. Since then, the 30 year old responded more than reasonably in his ninth year with the club. Cuddyer clubbed seven longballs and is hitting 3.52 since the switch. Michael was hit by a Greinke pitch in the four-run sixth inning, as the CY Young candidate came unglued in the Metrodome.
In Detroit, winning pitcher, Freddy Garcia rocked the Tigers 5-1. The righty struck out seven and allowed six hits in seven plus innings for Chicago. Alfredo Figaro took the loss for the Tigers, who managed just seven hits while stranding seven on the bases. The middle and bottom of the Detroit lineup was unproductive. Combined, the four through nine Tigers scratched out one hit, finishing 1-for-22. Tony Pena and Matt Thornton completed a first-rate relief effort to close it out for the Whitesox. The lack of runs Saturday means Detroit is in a dead heat with the Twins for the division. They Tigers have their chance to clinch at Comerica Park, but will need a little help from their foes in Kansas City. Suddenly the Twins can’t lose. They overcame Greinke yesterday and looked every bit as confident a post-season club. Detroit is authoring one of the bigger collapses in baseball history and the energy showcased on the field justifies their quick fall. The Tigers are barely getting production at the plate, and they are definitely having trouble coming up with runs. Their inability to score (four runs in the past three games) has been as detrimental as the Twins’ aptitude to comeback. The drama is only heightened by the fact Detroit has more to lose than Minnesota. Nobody expected the Twins to be this competitive all season. The Tigers had the talent, the coaching and the flair to carry the suffering city into the baseball post-season. It’s on their shoulders if Detroit falls short. The players’ mental toughness will be tested today. The urgency to get on the board more often than the visiting team is evident, but Detroit must also be patient. A little discipline goes a long way when you are trying to win a pennant race. It doesn’t matter that the Twins sliced the division lead again yesterday. Today is what matters. It all comes down to one win, for both teams. The Twins have the upper-hand because they have been playing must-win games for weeks now. It’s the sluggers and hurlers in Detroit who are entering unfamiliar territory. How they play with their backs against the wall will determine whether or not they live another day.
Parting Points: I am really happy for the Twins. As a Yankees fan, I think I would rather face Minnesota. I think the Bombers can beat both teams, but I like their chances against the Twins.
Congratulations to the Dodgers ,who finally clinched the NL West. For a while there, Joe Torre’s club had me scared they would blow the division.
Sticking to the subject matter, the song for today is “Mouth” by Merill Bainbridge
Joe Mauer delivered the biggest hit in MVP-like manner Saturday, as the Twins rallied to beat Zack Greinke and the Royals. The Twins had a speedy Nick Punto on third with two outs when Mauer stepped to the plate. His two-out single off the ace broke a sixth inning scoreless affair. Minnesota increased their lead to 4-0 on Delmon Young’s three-run double later in the frame. Fill-in first baseman, Michael Cuddyer, cracked the go-ahead solo homerun in the eighth to cement what would be the eventual 5-4 win in Minneapolis. The former right-fielder was converted into an infielder after Justin Moreneau was shelved early in September. Since then, the 30 year old responded more than reasonably in his ninth year with the club. Cuddyer clubbed seven longballs and is hitting 3.52 since the switch. Michael was hit by a Greinke pitch in the four-run sixth inning, as the CY Young candidate came unglued in the Metrodome.
In Detroit, winning pitcher, Freddy Garcia rocked the Tigers 5-1. The righty struck out seven and allowed six hits in seven plus innings for Chicago. Alfredo Figaro took the loss for the Tigers, who managed just seven hits while stranding seven on the bases. The middle and bottom of the Detroit lineup was unproductive. Combined, the four through nine Tigers scratched out one hit, finishing 1-for-22. Tony Pena and Matt Thornton completed a first-rate relief effort to close it out for the Whitesox. The lack of runs Saturday means Detroit is in a dead heat with the Twins for the division. They Tigers have their chance to clinch at Comerica Park, but will need a little help from their foes in Kansas City. Suddenly the Twins can’t lose. They overcame Greinke yesterday and looked every bit as confident a post-season club. Detroit is authoring one of the bigger collapses in baseball history and the energy showcased on the field justifies their quick fall. The Tigers are barely getting production at the plate, and they are definitely having trouble coming up with runs. Their inability to score (four runs in the past three games) has been as detrimental as the Twins’ aptitude to comeback. The drama is only heightened by the fact Detroit has more to lose than Minnesota. Nobody expected the Twins to be this competitive all season. The Tigers had the talent, the coaching and the flair to carry the suffering city into the baseball post-season. It’s on their shoulders if Detroit falls short. The players’ mental toughness will be tested today. The urgency to get on the board more often than the visiting team is evident, but Detroit must also be patient. A little discipline goes a long way when you are trying to win a pennant race. It doesn’t matter that the Twins sliced the division lead again yesterday. Today is what matters. It all comes down to one win, for both teams. The Twins have the upper-hand because they have been playing must-win games for weeks now. It’s the sluggers and hurlers in Detroit who are entering unfamiliar territory. How they play with their backs against the wall will determine whether or not they live another day.
Parting Points: I am really happy for the Twins. As a Yankees fan, I think I would rather face Minnesota. I think the Bombers can beat both teams, but I like their chances against the Twins.
Congratulations to the Dodgers ,who finally clinched the NL West. For a while there, Joe Torre’s club had me scared they would blow the division.
Sticking to the subject matter, the song for today is “Mouth” by Merill Bainbridge
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tigers-Twins Thursday Title Tidbits
The Minnesota Twins are finding out just how hard it is to tame the Detroit Tigers. But credit the AL Central foes for both trying to stay alive in the closest division race this October. Ron Gardenhire’s club still has some life left in them after blowing a two-run lead Wednesday night and losing 7-2 in Motown. The Tigers had a chance to clinch the division in the final of the four game series this afternoon but failed to seal the deal. Detroit finishes the season with a three-game home series against the Chicago Whitesox. Minnesota returns to the Metrodome to confront CY Young hopeful, Zack Greinke and the Kansas City Royals. The Royals and Whitesox have nothing left to prove. They will likely go to town with the idea of playing spoiler and watching their division opponents plunge this late in the year. Expect both teams to mean business, dust off the rustiness and play contrary to their insignificant records.
The now 85-74 Tigers bounced back, and Minnesota delegated control last night to put Detroit on the brink of an AL Central title for the first time since 1987. Hurler Eddie Bonine survived a shaky start and settled into somewhat of a grove against the persistent and enthusiastic Twins. What began as a catastrophic start concluded with Bonine tossing five innings in just his ninth career start. He allowed two runs in the first inning but shut down Minnesota the rest of his outing. Bonine fanned three and walked two. He scattered seven hits, but earned his first victory of 2009. Carl Pavano was the pitcher on the losing side for Minnesota. Pavano’s team was not able to get anything going offensively and the pitcher’s quality of work was not good enough. Magglio Ordonez’s keyed the drastic hit, a double in the fifth inning, clearing the bases for the Tigers. The three run frame was the final time either team would score, and the runs needed to secure the five run win for the three-game division leaders. With today’s loss, Detroit’s lead was trimmed to two games. The Tigers failed in their first try at clinching the division. The Twins are capable of knocking off the Royals in three games. They must win all three, and hope for the Whitesox to take two out of three in Detroit. The Tigers are expected to wash away their division drought but they can’t depend only on the Royals to do so.
It always amazes me how the Twins do the same thing every year. Gardenhire’s team-building coaching works and he always motivates his men for a second season. Even if the Twins fall short, they deserve credit for hanging in the race until the final week. Despite injuries and trades, the small market swingers in Minnesota have a lot to be proud of. As for the Tigers, they really control their own destiny with a deep lineup and steady set of arms. Their pitching will win them games, unlike today when the Twins blew the game open in the eighth against an inferior bullpen. Minnesota caused friction for Casey Fien after Nate Robertson pitched six innings of four-run ball. Robertson’s nine hits allowed were enormous enough but only one of the runs he was charged with was earned. Scott Baker gave up an unearned run through five solid innings for the Twins. Baker snagged his 15th win of the year with today’s 8-3 showing in front of the Motor City’s first sellout crowd since July 25th. Minnesota had much more punch at the plate than the previous night. Maybe they knew this game was one they just couldn’t afford to lose.
Control issues were a concern throughout the game for Detroit this afternoon, but became even more prevalent with the institution of Fien and Bobby Seay. Orlando Cabrera unleashed a double to left field to drive in three runs during the eventful eighth. The player affixed with the tag of being the greatest hitting catcher of our era, Joe Mauer, punched Cabrera in with a single to the same area in left field for Minnesota’s final run. Mauer was not behind the plate to star of defense today. Instead, skipper Gardenhire placed him in the lineup as the DH. The talented 26 year old unloaded by supplying two hits, two RBIs and scoring one run for the visiting club. The Twins were not efficient in the field, committing a season-high four errors with the gloves. The game got ugly after Jeremy Bonderman hit Twins’ outfielder, Delmon Young with a pitch. Manager Jim Leyland was ejected following an argument with umpire, Angel Hernandez in the top of the ninth. Bonderman and his batterymate, Gerald Laird, were tossed in the home half of the ninth.
Parting points: A pair of songs for a new month- “It’s All Been Done” by Barenaked Ladies and “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
The now 85-74 Tigers bounced back, and Minnesota delegated control last night to put Detroit on the brink of an AL Central title for the first time since 1987. Hurler Eddie Bonine survived a shaky start and settled into somewhat of a grove against the persistent and enthusiastic Twins. What began as a catastrophic start concluded with Bonine tossing five innings in just his ninth career start. He allowed two runs in the first inning but shut down Minnesota the rest of his outing. Bonine fanned three and walked two. He scattered seven hits, but earned his first victory of 2009. Carl Pavano was the pitcher on the losing side for Minnesota. Pavano’s team was not able to get anything going offensively and the pitcher’s quality of work was not good enough. Magglio Ordonez’s keyed the drastic hit, a double in the fifth inning, clearing the bases for the Tigers. The three run frame was the final time either team would score, and the runs needed to secure the five run win for the three-game division leaders. With today’s loss, Detroit’s lead was trimmed to two games. The Tigers failed in their first try at clinching the division. The Twins are capable of knocking off the Royals in three games. They must win all three, and hope for the Whitesox to take two out of three in Detroit. The Tigers are expected to wash away their division drought but they can’t depend only on the Royals to do so.
It always amazes me how the Twins do the same thing every year. Gardenhire’s team-building coaching works and he always motivates his men for a second season. Even if the Twins fall short, they deserve credit for hanging in the race until the final week. Despite injuries and trades, the small market swingers in Minnesota have a lot to be proud of. As for the Tigers, they really control their own destiny with a deep lineup and steady set of arms. Their pitching will win them games, unlike today when the Twins blew the game open in the eighth against an inferior bullpen. Minnesota caused friction for Casey Fien after Nate Robertson pitched six innings of four-run ball. Robertson’s nine hits allowed were enormous enough but only one of the runs he was charged with was earned. Scott Baker gave up an unearned run through five solid innings for the Twins. Baker snagged his 15th win of the year with today’s 8-3 showing in front of the Motor City’s first sellout crowd since July 25th. Minnesota had much more punch at the plate than the previous night. Maybe they knew this game was one they just couldn’t afford to lose.
Control issues were a concern throughout the game for Detroit this afternoon, but became even more prevalent with the institution of Fien and Bobby Seay. Orlando Cabrera unleashed a double to left field to drive in three runs during the eventful eighth. The player affixed with the tag of being the greatest hitting catcher of our era, Joe Mauer, punched Cabrera in with a single to the same area in left field for Minnesota’s final run. Mauer was not behind the plate to star of defense today. Instead, skipper Gardenhire placed him in the lineup as the DH. The talented 26 year old unloaded by supplying two hits, two RBIs and scoring one run for the visiting club. The Twins were not efficient in the field, committing a season-high four errors with the gloves. The game got ugly after Jeremy Bonderman hit Twins’ outfielder, Delmon Young with a pitch. Manager Jim Leyland was ejected following an argument with umpire, Angel Hernandez in the top of the ninth. Bonderman and his batterymate, Gerald Laird, were tossed in the home half of the ninth.
Parting points: A pair of songs for a new month- “It’s All Been Done” by Barenaked Ladies and “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Oakland's Overpowering, Outstanding Outman
Josh Outman won his fourth game and St. Paul native, Jack Hannahan hit a key clutch three-run double to give the Oakland A’s their seventh straight win. The A’s bested the Twins behind another young pitcher and are now a team on the rise after a few good wins. The seductive Outman had a strangle-hold on Minnesota’s top hitters in the 4-3 Monday night shutdown. A’s starters have the longest winning streak since a stretch of eight victories in June of 2006. Their prim pitchers are boasting a 1.55 ERA through seven starts. It’s been a wacky and wonderful week for last place Oakland. Last night, it continued with the pitching of the 25 year old with a 3.17 ERA.
Outman went 1-2 in 25.2 innings for the gold and green last year during only 6 games. This season, he is undefeated in five appearances and has emerged as the most reliable starter on the A’s staff. His 4-0 record comes packaged with 49 strikeouts, 24 walks and 46 hits allowed in 59 innings pitched. Outman held the Twins to three runs over six innings in the A’s 4-3 melting of Minnesota. The St. Louis pitcher smeared seven and outside a hiccup with two outs in the fourth, shut down the Twins. Outman has seven quality starts for Oakland since returning from a bullpen stint. The rookie improved to 3-0 on June 4th by holding the Chicago White Sox to three runs over 6 2/3 innings. He was excellent in diversifying his pitches and scattering seven hits. The young southpaw fanned nine on May 29th against archrival, Texas. He followed a two-run first inning by only allowing one more hit over six innings during the contest. Prior to his Rangers start, Outman outlasted the Diamondbacks. He limited Arizona to two ones, one earned, in an inter-league clash. The hurler tossed 7 2/3 strong inning to record his second win of the year that Sunday. Outman is effective in pitching out of jams despite walking batters. He only had one pass in a no-decision Athletics victory on May 20th over the Rays. Through six innings, Outman blanked Tampa but left the game after a scoreless sixth. The A’s went on to win in extra-innings and Outman finished by whiffing six Rays. Josh held the Royals to one run over six innings for his very first 2009 win in mid-May. Outman gave up three hits, all in the second inning, to Kansas City. The A’s are counting on their young staff to rework the pitching and rejuvenate the club. So far, they have stepped up to right the wrongs in Oakland.
Ok now that I’ve brought you up to date on Mr. Outman, here is how last night played out in Oakland Coliseum. The Twinkies were in town for the first of a four game series against their West Coast foes from the Golden State. The A’s turned back the Twins, rallying from an early 3-0 deficit. The Twins had a lead and gave it right back during this American League inter-divisional affair. The game seemed up for grabs, and it was Oakland snagging the W. Minnesota scored three runs in the top of the fourth off Outman on odd combinations. Two singles were sandwiched around a walk to fill the bases. Carlos Gomez walked with the bases loaded, and slumping slugger, Matt Tolbert, tallied a two run single. Tolbert was 0 for his last 12 and in a funk at the plate. The Minnesota lead was short-lived. The Athletics countered in the bottom half of the fourth with three of their own runs. Matt Holiday and Jason Giambi walked back-to-back. Hannahan hammered a double to centerfield, scoring Giambi, Kurt Suzuki and Aaron Cunningham. One hit, three runs. Very productive and efficient for the Oakland offense.
The Twins pitching wasn’t as effective as the A’s. In his fourth Minnesota audition, Anthony Swarzak was untouchable as he faced the Oakland lineup the first time. Swarzak did not survive after the erratic fourth inning where the A’s squandered Minnesota’s three run lead. He lost his control completely and was throwing the ball all over the place. The left-hander issued three walks and threw nine consecutive balls to open the frame. Next was a plunking pitch. Swarzak unintentionally beaned Cunningham with a fastball off the left side of the helmet. The rookie stayed in the game long enough to score but was removed in the fifth and sent to the hospital. Oakland was dealt a blow when they learned Cunningham suffered a concussion on the 91 mph drilling. The A’s are short on outfielders but used Adam Kennedy to replace Cunningham defensively. Gregorio Petit substituted for him in the Oakland batting order.
Minnesota’s bullpen faired better than starter Swarzak. They held the A’s to only two more hits. One of those blasts was a towering and explosive crush by Jack Cust. Cust’s 10th homerun of the season came off right-handed reliever, Luis Ayala. The bottom of the fifth bullet was off the first pitch Ayala threw to Cust. It seems like Cust just keeps hitting go-ahead homeruns for about-face scores. The three all tie was retracted with the solo shot and Outman sustained the one run lead the rest of the way. He seemed to get stronger as the game went on. After the blip in the fourth inning, Outman set down the final seven Twins who stepped to the plate. Delmon Young was punched out in the sixth as Outman’s last victim.
The lefty maintained his approach and set the pace to keep the A’s clicking in the wins department. Outman had Oakland swimming above water with devastating deliveries. He was a splash after a slight sinking. The sweeping slider tumbled away from left-handers, who are batting just .128 against the rookie. Justin Morneau, one of the Twins leading hitters, struck out three times. No single pitcher has done that to Morneau since 2004. Joe Mauer was able to get to Oakland pitching. He singled twice for Minnesota to raise his batting average to a startling .413.
The Athletics used four relievers after Outman left the game. Combined, they threw three scoreless innings to deny the Twins any more scoring opportunities. Michael Wuertz struck out two Twins to bring his total to 27 on the year. The 28 year old former Twin, Craig Breslow, allowed the only hit. Brad Ziegler, the second year reliever, faced two batters, throwing five of his seven pitches for strikes. Andrew Bailey drew his fifth save in eight chances after pitching the ninth for Oakland. The A’s seven game streak is the longest current run in the majors and the team has outscored opponents 42-11 during the span.
I am not sure whether the A’s can recuperate in time to capture a division title. They may just be playing for next season by July. But, I am smitten with their starters and hope they hassle the competition into the All-star break and second half of the season. You might remember I predicted the A’s to make it to the World Series. They have a very, very high hill to climb before they even sniff the playoffs, let alone the Fall Classic. But I am encouraged by the pitching and the way they were able to lift themselves over the Twins last night. The starters that currently occupy the rotation are resilient at worst. The low-key bullpen with Wuertz, Breslow, Ziegler and Bailey is brilliant too. Even Kennedy made a sliding game-ending grab as a fill-in for the injured rookie Cunningham. The A’s pinched out a win during a game they were down.
The best part about Outman’s outing is he wasn’t even as sharp as his colleagues were in the past week. Vin Mazzaro, Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill are pitching more like formidable starters than inexperienced amateurs. They are attacking the strike zone and putting hitters away. Mazzaro was money on the mound again for the A’s against the Orioles on Sunday. The 22 year old righty made his major league debut last week. He earned the win against the White Sox, leaving with a standing ovation in the eighth inning. The results are revealing for these rookies. During a four-game streak, Oakland starters had not walked a batter. Outman’s passes changed that last night and one of them resulted in a run. But, he overcame the mishap to maneuver and exercise an excellent excursion. Pitching produces the plot for ball clubs, and the Athletics’ aces are acknowledged anecdotes.
Parting points: It’s a great sports night. NBA Finals Game 3, NHL Finals Game 6, Yankees-Red Sox, and Mets-Phillies. Brad Lidge to the DL, Scottie Reynolds to return to Villanova, Tiger tuning up, the MLB draft toning up and Favre doing who knows what next.
I’m already excited about the upcoming college football season. Check out this cool Ohio State player database: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/buckeyextra/database/index.html
Outman went 1-2 in 25.2 innings for the gold and green last year during only 6 games. This season, he is undefeated in five appearances and has emerged as the most reliable starter on the A’s staff. His 4-0 record comes packaged with 49 strikeouts, 24 walks and 46 hits allowed in 59 innings pitched. Outman held the Twins to three runs over six innings in the A’s 4-3 melting of Minnesota. The St. Louis pitcher smeared seven and outside a hiccup with two outs in the fourth, shut down the Twins. Outman has seven quality starts for Oakland since returning from a bullpen stint. The rookie improved to 3-0 on June 4th by holding the Chicago White Sox to three runs over 6 2/3 innings. He was excellent in diversifying his pitches and scattering seven hits. The young southpaw fanned nine on May 29th against archrival, Texas. He followed a two-run first inning by only allowing one more hit over six innings during the contest. Prior to his Rangers start, Outman outlasted the Diamondbacks. He limited Arizona to two ones, one earned, in an inter-league clash. The hurler tossed 7 2/3 strong inning to record his second win of the year that Sunday. Outman is effective in pitching out of jams despite walking batters. He only had one pass in a no-decision Athletics victory on May 20th over the Rays. Through six innings, Outman blanked Tampa but left the game after a scoreless sixth. The A’s went on to win in extra-innings and Outman finished by whiffing six Rays. Josh held the Royals to one run over six innings for his very first 2009 win in mid-May. Outman gave up three hits, all in the second inning, to Kansas City. The A’s are counting on their young staff to rework the pitching and rejuvenate the club. So far, they have stepped up to right the wrongs in Oakland.
Ok now that I’ve brought you up to date on Mr. Outman, here is how last night played out in Oakland Coliseum. The Twinkies were in town for the first of a four game series against their West Coast foes from the Golden State. The A’s turned back the Twins, rallying from an early 3-0 deficit. The Twins had a lead and gave it right back during this American League inter-divisional affair. The game seemed up for grabs, and it was Oakland snagging the W. Minnesota scored three runs in the top of the fourth off Outman on odd combinations. Two singles were sandwiched around a walk to fill the bases. Carlos Gomez walked with the bases loaded, and slumping slugger, Matt Tolbert, tallied a two run single. Tolbert was 0 for his last 12 and in a funk at the plate. The Minnesota lead was short-lived. The Athletics countered in the bottom half of the fourth with three of their own runs. Matt Holiday and Jason Giambi walked back-to-back. Hannahan hammered a double to centerfield, scoring Giambi, Kurt Suzuki and Aaron Cunningham. One hit, three runs. Very productive and efficient for the Oakland offense.
The Twins pitching wasn’t as effective as the A’s. In his fourth Minnesota audition, Anthony Swarzak was untouchable as he faced the Oakland lineup the first time. Swarzak did not survive after the erratic fourth inning where the A’s squandered Minnesota’s three run lead. He lost his control completely and was throwing the ball all over the place. The left-hander issued three walks and threw nine consecutive balls to open the frame. Next was a plunking pitch. Swarzak unintentionally beaned Cunningham with a fastball off the left side of the helmet. The rookie stayed in the game long enough to score but was removed in the fifth and sent to the hospital. Oakland was dealt a blow when they learned Cunningham suffered a concussion on the 91 mph drilling. The A’s are short on outfielders but used Adam Kennedy to replace Cunningham defensively. Gregorio Petit substituted for him in the Oakland batting order.
Minnesota’s bullpen faired better than starter Swarzak. They held the A’s to only two more hits. One of those blasts was a towering and explosive crush by Jack Cust. Cust’s 10th homerun of the season came off right-handed reliever, Luis Ayala. The bottom of the fifth bullet was off the first pitch Ayala threw to Cust. It seems like Cust just keeps hitting go-ahead homeruns for about-face scores. The three all tie was retracted with the solo shot and Outman sustained the one run lead the rest of the way. He seemed to get stronger as the game went on. After the blip in the fourth inning, Outman set down the final seven Twins who stepped to the plate. Delmon Young was punched out in the sixth as Outman’s last victim.
The lefty maintained his approach and set the pace to keep the A’s clicking in the wins department. Outman had Oakland swimming above water with devastating deliveries. He was a splash after a slight sinking. The sweeping slider tumbled away from left-handers, who are batting just .128 against the rookie. Justin Morneau, one of the Twins leading hitters, struck out three times. No single pitcher has done that to Morneau since 2004. Joe Mauer was able to get to Oakland pitching. He singled twice for Minnesota to raise his batting average to a startling .413.
The Athletics used four relievers after Outman left the game. Combined, they threw three scoreless innings to deny the Twins any more scoring opportunities. Michael Wuertz struck out two Twins to bring his total to 27 on the year. The 28 year old former Twin, Craig Breslow, allowed the only hit. Brad Ziegler, the second year reliever, faced two batters, throwing five of his seven pitches for strikes. Andrew Bailey drew his fifth save in eight chances after pitching the ninth for Oakland. The A’s seven game streak is the longest current run in the majors and the team has outscored opponents 42-11 during the span.
I am not sure whether the A’s can recuperate in time to capture a division title. They may just be playing for next season by July. But, I am smitten with their starters and hope they hassle the competition into the All-star break and second half of the season. You might remember I predicted the A’s to make it to the World Series. They have a very, very high hill to climb before they even sniff the playoffs, let alone the Fall Classic. But I am encouraged by the pitching and the way they were able to lift themselves over the Twins last night. The starters that currently occupy the rotation are resilient at worst. The low-key bullpen with Wuertz, Breslow, Ziegler and Bailey is brilliant too. Even Kennedy made a sliding game-ending grab as a fill-in for the injured rookie Cunningham. The A’s pinched out a win during a game they were down.
The best part about Outman’s outing is he wasn’t even as sharp as his colleagues were in the past week. Vin Mazzaro, Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill are pitching more like formidable starters than inexperienced amateurs. They are attacking the strike zone and putting hitters away. Mazzaro was money on the mound again for the A’s against the Orioles on Sunday. The 22 year old righty made his major league debut last week. He earned the win against the White Sox, leaving with a standing ovation in the eighth inning. The results are revealing for these rookies. During a four-game streak, Oakland starters had not walked a batter. Outman’s passes changed that last night and one of them resulted in a run. But, he overcame the mishap to maneuver and exercise an excellent excursion. Pitching produces the plot for ball clubs, and the Athletics’ aces are acknowledged anecdotes.
Parting points: It’s a great sports night. NBA Finals Game 3, NHL Finals Game 6, Yankees-Red Sox, and Mets-Phillies. Brad Lidge to the DL, Scottie Reynolds to return to Villanova, Tiger tuning up, the MLB draft toning up and Favre doing who knows what next.
I’m already excited about the upcoming college football season. Check out this cool Ohio State player database: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/buckeyextra/database/index.html
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