Minnesota Twins 3 Cleveland Indians 4 (August 30, 2007)
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0 commentsJohan Santana stumbled in the first inning of the series finale against the division leading Cleveland Indians, in the Twins 4-3 loss.
Johan Santana allowed four runs in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians in last night's series finale, then settled down to pitch a total of seven innings, giving up four runs, on ten hits, striking out two and walking one. The first inning was terrible for Johan, who has been missing his "magic" this season. Johan gave up two home runs in the bottom of the first inning, bringing up his season total to 29. With the loss, Santana's record has dropped to 14-10 with a 3.06 era.
All of Cleveland's runs came in the bottom of the first inning. Grady Sizemore lead off with a ground ball single to center field, then a big two-run smash over the left field fence by Asdrubal Cabrera, would score Sizemore. Johan retired Travis Hafner, then gave up a solo shot to Victor Martinez, who hit his 21st home run of the year, over the left field wall as well. Then a two out double from Franklin Gutierrez, followed by a single from Kenny Lofton, would score Gutierrez. Johan got him self out of the inning, when Casey Blake grounded out to Twins third baseman Nick Punto.
The first inning was a killer for Johan. He allowed four runs, on six hits, recording no strike outs, and giving up no walks. Juan Rincon would come on in relief for the sixth and seventh inning, no hitting the Indians, while striking out one.
C.C. Sabathia however was almost flawless last night. Sabathia pitched six innings, allowing two runs, on six hits, striking out two and walking two. He was able to keep Twins runners of the bases, and forced the Twins to hit into two double plays. Sabathia's strike outs were not as high as usual, but turning two double plays is pretty impressive. Jensen Lewis came on in relief for the top of the seventh inning, and no hit the Twins. Rafael Bentancourt then pitched the top of the eighth inning, as he allowed one run, one hit, and struck out two. Then closer Joe Borowski, shut the door on the Twins, allowing no runs, one hit, and forced Brian Buscher to hit into the third and final "Twin Killing."
The Indians pitchers did a really good job of keeping the Twins from scoring. They outscored Minnesota 18-11 in this series. Minnesota came in to Cleveland on a five game win streak, where thay had scored five or more runs in each of those games, out scoring opponents 39-14.
Minnesota was able to keep in the ball game, as they scored one run in the top of the fifth, sixth, and eighth innings. Minnesota's run in the top of the fifth inning, came off a bases loaded ground ball from Torii Hunter, who reached safely on a force out to second. The ground ball scores Jason Tyner from third. Sabathia would strike out Justin Morneau swinging, to end the fifth inning.
The Twins would then score a run in the top of the sixth inning, on a Rondell White one out double, followed by Michael Cuddyer's RBI single to center field, scoring White from first. Minnesota would make the game real interesting in the top of the eighth inning, scoring their third and final run of the game. Michael Cuddyer would hit a one out triple, to the right field corner, where right fielder Franklin Gutierrez had a little trouble fielding the ball. Cuddyer would reach third on the throw. Rondell White would hit an RBI ground out to second baseman Chris Gomez, scoring Cuddyer from third.
The Minnesota Twins will now travel home now for a four game series against the Kansas City Royals. There will be a double header on Friday night, as Kyle Davies will start for the Royals, and Matt Garza for the Twins in the 1:10pm start. The game will be followed by the ground breaking ceremony of the Twins new ball park which is scheduled to take place from 4-7pm. Finally, game two of the double header will be played at 7:10. Gil Meche will take on Scott Baker in the double header wrap up.
The pitching match ups and series preview will be posted tomorrow.
GO TWINS!!!!!
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Date
August 30, 2007
