Thursday, April 20, 2006

Twins Update: What a game!

What a win for the Twins, coming from behind for a 12-10 win in 10 innings! Who says they have no offense?

The Twins fell down 9-4 after 5 innings in a game in which starter Kyle Lohse gave up 8 runs in only 3.1 innings, putting them in a hole and forcing them to go to the bullpen early. After a 4-run 6th cut the lead to 9-8, rookie Fransisco Liriano gave up his first run of the year (to raise his ERA to 0.96), but then Torii Hunter responded with a HR in the bottom of the inning to make it 10-9.

After an uneventful inning and a half, K-Rod was brought in for the bottom of the 9th. After the Twins loaded the bases with no out, Justin Morneau popped out and Tony Batista struck out, bringing up Lew Ford. After working it to a full count, Lew Ford drew the walk from Rodriguez, tying the game 10-10.

Joe Nathan worked the 10th, and in the bottom of the inning, with a runner on 3rd and 2 out, Pinch-hitter Michael Cuddyer (please, please start this man at 3B) hit a pitch to right-center field that cleared the fencing for the game-winning, walkoff Quadrangle. Twins win 12-10. What a game!

The Twins look to get over .500 and win the series Thursday night, and they will send Scott Baker to the hill. Baker is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA on the year.