Pitching
Theme of this weekend series: Clutch Pitching. Both teams had plenty and as a result. 3 1-run close ballgames where runs weren't easy to come by. Overall the pitching was good, but not great as there were many base runners for both teams all weekend. Thanks to either clutch pitching or bad hitting with RISP the games were played close to the vest.
Game 1
Liriano's debut was good if not great. He 3 runs in 6 innings with 3 Ks but he did have 5 BB. The bullpen was awesome in the first game giving us 5 shutout innings: 2 by Guerrier, 2 by Duensing, and the 11th inning save for Rauch, his first 1-run save.
Game 2
Baker's second start of the season was a definite improvement from his first. He scattered 5 hits over 7 innings and allowed 1 run in the 5th on a double by Pierzynski followed by a double by Teahan. Very solid, and the Twins managed just enough (2 runs) off of Garcia, who also pitched well. Mijares was beckoned in the 8th to get out 2 lefties, but he walked Teahan and then Pierre sacrificed him to 2nd. Crain came in and did a nice job cleaning it though, inducing a flyout by Beckham and getting Quentin to pop out to Mauer in foul ground. Rauch closed the door in the 9th again and took the major league lead with 4 saves.
Game 3
Blackburn was victimized by 3 home runs coughing up 4 runs and then left the game in the 8th with 2 runners on and 2 outs, Andrew Jones hit a seeing eye single off Mijares to score the 5th run. Overall I think this was a typical Blackburn outing, gave up some long-balls, which he will do when he leaves a ball up, but pitched efficiently and ate innings (7 2/3).
Way to Go:
- Rauch - 2 scoreless 1-inning saves in 1-run ballgames
- Duensing -- 2 scoreless innings in relief and the win.
- Baker - 7 strong innings only 1 run allowed. Good pitching, good win.
- Guerrier- 2 scoreless innings in relief of Liriano stretching the game to extras.
- Crain - 2/3 of an inning but with a runner on 2nd in a 1-run game, good hold.
- Liriano - 5 walks is too many, but he battled and didn't give up too many runs, giving the Twins a chance to win.
- Mijares - 2 appearances and 2 dissappointments. Game 1: walk, sacrifice to start the 8th to leave a bit of a mess for Crain to clean up. Game 2: Gave up the game winning single (although he inherited the runners).
The home runs hitting spree ended when we left Anaheim. The Twins bats were slowed by Chicago's pitching this weekend. Luckily our pitching did just enough to win the series.
Top of the Order Slowly waking up
Hudson's bat has woken up a little after a poor series in Anaheim as he was 4-13 with 1 run scored. Not great but he does have a 4 game hit streak going, hopefully his bat is starting to wake up. Span had similar numbers (3-12 with 2 BB and 2 runs scored), not great but slight improvement from 1st series.
Middle of Lineup is coming around
One week into the season, Mauer and Morneau are off to good starts, Cuddyer is hitting for average but finally got his first RBI. Kubel got the big hit on Saturday with his first home-run (a 2 run shot) of the season, and Thome is what we have expected, bring a powerful bat in small doses.
Bottom of Lineup better than expected so far
Hardy & Young have been pleasant surprises so far, Harris has made the most of his chances, and Punto is.. well.. Punto, our weakest offensive regular.
Defense has been good with only 1 error in the first week.
Managing/Coaching? Well I have disagreed with Gardy on some decisions but overall can't complain, but Scotty Ulger's sending of Hardy on that last out on Sunday was a huge mistake, as Hardy was out by 4 steps!! It wasn't even close. Punto was the next hitter, with virtually no bench moves left (Casilla & Butera), but I would have liked to at least see Punto try.
It was a great opening road trip 5-2 is better than expected. Now lets break in Target field with some good baseball. I'll be there in person for Game 2.
Go Twins!
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