The Twins were hoping Matt Garza (L 3-6, 5.76 ERA) would match his last couple of outings Saturday against the White Sox, but he came up painfully short, lasting only 2.2 innings, giving up four runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out none in the Twins' 6-3 loss.
Matt held them scoreless until the third, when first baseman Ross Gload doubled with one out, third baseman Josh Fields drew a walk and designated hitter Rob Mackowiak did his job by doubling in the first run. Second baseman Tadahito Iguchi then hit a two-run single and stole second, moving to third on an Alex Cintron base hit. Ryan Sweeney then grounded out, scoring Iguchi.
After another walk for Garza, Matt Guerrier (3.36 ERA) came in for 4.1 innings of relief, allowing 2 more runs on 4 hits with 2 strikouts. One came in the fifth off a Sweeney single and another in the seventh from an Iguchi home run, his 18th of the year.
Jon Garland (W 18-7, 4.51 ERA) held the Twins hitless through four and allowed only Jason Tyner (1 for 3), Justin Morneau (2 for 4) and Luis Rodriguez (1 for 4) to reach up until the eighth.
The Twins tried to put together a comeback in the bottom of the ninth when Nick Punto reached on a fielding error by Cintron. After an L-Rod strikeout, Mike Redmond (1 for 4) singled and Michael Cuddyer (1 for 4) blasted his second homerun in as many games (24) to cut Chicago's lead in half.
Matt held them scoreless until the third, when first baseman Ross Gload doubled with one out, third baseman Josh Fields drew a walk and designated hitter Rob Mackowiak did his job by doubling in the first run. Second baseman Tadahito Iguchi then hit a two-run single and stole second, moving to third on an Alex Cintron base hit. Ryan Sweeney then grounded out, scoring Iguchi.
After another walk for Garza, Matt Guerrier (3.36 ERA) came in for 4.1 innings of relief, allowing 2 more runs on 4 hits with 2 strikouts. One came in the fifth off a Sweeney single and another in the seventh from an Iguchi home run, his 18th of the year.
Jon Garland (W 18-7, 4.51 ERA) held the Twins hitless through four and allowed only Jason Tyner (1 for 3), Justin Morneau (2 for 4) and Luis Rodriguez (1 for 4) to reach up until the eighth.
The Twins tried to put together a comeback in the bottom of the ninth when Nick Punto reached on a fielding error by Cintron. After an L-Rod strikeout, Mike Redmond (1 for 4) singled and Michael Cuddyer (1 for 4) blasted his second homerun in as many games (24) to cut Chicago's lead in half.Cuddyer's three-run shot
Matt Thornton (3.33 ERA) then replaced Garland, getting Morneau to ground out before giving up a liner to Torii Hunter (1 for 4). Rondell White then pinch-hit for designated hitter Jason Kubel (0 for 3) and grounded out to first, ending the game.
So, the Twins missed another opportunity to gain first place in the Division before the Tigers face the Royals later Saturday evening. Minnesota is now a half game back with one more to play.
Speculation: If Detroit wins today, the best the Twins can do is tie (which does them no good since the Tigers own the tie-breaker with a better head-to-head record) and face New York in the ALDS. If Detroit loses their last two games and the Twins pull Sunday's game off, they would win the Division and play the Oakland A's in the first round, gaining home field advantage with the better record.
So, the Twins missed another opportunity to gain first place in the Division before the Tigers face the Royals later Saturday evening. Minnesota is now a half game back with one more to play.
Speculation: If Detroit wins today, the best the Twins can do is tie (which does them no good since the Tigers own the tie-breaker with a better head-to-head record) and face New York in the ALDS. If Detroit loses their last two games and the Twins pull Sunday's game off, they would win the Division and play the Oakland A's in the first round, gaining home field advantage with the better record.
VS. 
or 
The Twins may look to another rookie, Scott Baker (5-8, 6.37 ERA) for their last possible win of the season on Sunday against Javier Vasquez (11-11, 4.77 ERA) and the Sox. Baker's last outing vs. Baltimore on Spetember 23rd was cut short after 3.2 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 7 hits. Carlos Silva will be used in the case of a Division Title still being up for grabs. He pitched 4 innings, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits in the Twins' 4-6 loss to Kansas City this past Wednesday. Vasquez has earned two straight losses, his last coming in Cleveland where he tossed seven innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits.
Batting Title Watch: Joe Mauer (.346 avg) rested during Saturday's tough loss to the White Sox. Derek Jeter (.341) and Robinson Cano (.342) will look to play catch up with Joe during the Yankees' 4pm game against the Blue Jays. Look for updates in the comments section.
Batting Title Watch: Joe Mauer (.346 avg) rested during Saturday's tough loss to the White Sox. Derek Jeter (.341) and Robinson Cano (.342) will look to play catch up with Joe during the Yankees' 4pm game against the Blue Jays. Look for updates in the comments section.
MVP Action for Saturday, September 30, 2006...
Justin Morneau: 2 for 4 | .321 avg | 129 RBI | 34 HR
Johan Santana: 19-6 | 2.77 ERA | 245 K | 233.2 IP
Derek Jeter: 4pm vs. Toronto
2 comments:
Well. Wow. Both teams losing both games...still tied. It's weird, yet awesome (more for us and Detroit). It's crazy how tomorrow is the deciding factor - and not only for who will win the division, but also for who wins the batting title. I'm nervous for this, lol. Jeter went three for three today bumping his average right up near Mauer's. Let's pray this title is meant for Joe.
And let's wave our homer hankies (I sure have mine!) and cheer the Twins to a victory!
Because wins are hot.
wins are totally hot.
you're right, this IS going to be interesting. i'm nervous for joe, too! i think he can pull it off, though. i hope he plays tomorrow! i heard some nonsense about him sitting it out. no way, jose. not after how well jeter did today. cano is out of it now at .341 - there's no catching up for him.
go twins! go joe!
Post a Comment