Minnesota Twins 8 Baltimore Orioles 1 (August 26, 2007)
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0 commentsTorii Hunter hit a three-run blast over the left field fence n the top of the sixth inning, helping boost the Minnesota Twins over the Baltimore Orioles 8-1.
What a great ball game for the Twins last night. A nearly two-hour rain at Camden Yards did nothing to hurt the Twins chances in their 8-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. In his Major League debut, Double-A rookie Radhames Liz did a pretty good job of keeping the Twins batters off the bases for the first five innings of play. Liz pitched a total of six innings, allowing five runs, on four hits, walking three and striking out five. The biggest miscue for Liz was a three-run home run to Torii Hunter, in the top of the sixth inning, giving the Twins a 5-1 lead.
Liz has some good stuff going last night: a fast ball that went 98 MPH, and a change up that went about 91 MPH. Liz was throwing mostly fast balls, keeping Twins batters off the bases with only four hits. Liz showed to be a very promising pitcher, and was able to deal with the pressures of the big leagues.
The Twins offense worked pretty well last night, in taking advantage of two walks in the top of the third inning. Radhames Liz, walked the first two batters in the third inning, and a perfectly placed bunt by second baseman Nick Punto, advanced both runners to second and third with one out. Then Liz forced Jason Tyner to ground out to first baseman Kevin Millar, giving Liz a chance to escape the inning unscathed. However, a line drive single by short stop Jason Bartlett, scored both Kubel and Buscher putting the Twins ahead 2-0. Bartlett would reach second on an overthrow by Jay Payton. Bartlett would be stranded on second by inning's end.
The three-run blast by Torii Hunter in the top of the sixth inning would give the Twins a 5-1 lead. Then in the top of the eighth, Minnesota would add two more insurance runs, on singles from Jason Bartlett, and Joe Mauer. A Torii Hunter double would score Bartlett, and advance Mauer to third. Mauer would be pulled from the game, as he came limping into third base. Twins back up catcher Mike Redmond would pinch run and finish out the game for the Twins. Redmond would score two batters later, and Baltimore intentionally walked Justin Morneau, wanting to pitch to Twins left fielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer would hit a sharp ground ball to left field, scoring Redmond from third, and loading the bases. Baltimore Manager Dave Trembley then brought in Brian Burres, who struck out Jason Kubel, and Brian Buscher. Minnesota would exit the eighth inning ahead 7-1.
The Twins would then score their last run in the top of the ninth inning, on a Mike Redmond ground out, scoring Jason Tyner from third. Tyner reached first on a fielder's choice, then was advanced to third on a Jason Bartlett double. Minnesota would then take an 8-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth, and close the door once again in Baltimore. The Twins offense did a great job of advancing base runners, and getting those key hits.
Twins starter Matt Garza struggled most of last night. Although his numbers are pretty good, his elevated pitch count, and four walks, cost him a quality start. Garza lasted only five innings, allowing one run, on five hits, striking out two, and allotting four walks. The Twins bull pen, would allow no runs, on four hits, and Juan Rincon would record one strike out and a walk.
This was another great win for the Twins. Minnesota is now riding a four game win streak, and a six game win streak this season on Baltimore. Minnesota will be going for its first ever four game sweep over the Orioles. Scott Baker will be on the hill for Minnesota, and Erik Bedard for the Orioles. Minnesota is still 5.5 games behind the division leading Cleveland Indians, and 3.0 games behind second place Detroit. Like I said yesterday, a sweep in Baltimore would be a great start to this seven game road trip.
GOOD LUCK GUYS
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WIN TWINS
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Date
August 26, 2007
