Twins 4, Royals 1

August 8, 2008

Even after coaxing eight walks, taking advantage of a pair of wild pitches and manufacturing four runs on just six singles, things were still a little tight last night.  Leading four to one in the bottom of the ninth, a weak bouncing grounder up the middle was what bailed Joe Nathan out of a bases-loaded jam.  Adam Everett fielded the ball cleanly, stepped on second base, and locked down the win.  While Chicago won as well, the Twins remain just one half game out of first place.

Friday night's game was proof of what can happen when you're willing to keep the bat on your shoulder and take four.  In most circumstances, six singles (and even a pair of wild pitches) won't earn a team four runs.  Suffice it to say, those eight free passes made scoring easier and more feasible.  Only Carlos Gomez and Joe Mauer failed to take walks...although Gomez picked up a pair of stolent bases, his first since June 30.

Kevin Slowey's performance was a good one.  Considering how up and down he's been over his last few starts, it was great to see him on his game.  Just four hits through his first five innings, and although the Royals seemed to catch up with him in the sixth, Craig Breslow managed to bail him out with a runner on third base.  He only struck out two, but he never truly seemed like he was in trouble.  Most importantly, he kept the ball in the park.

Thanks to those of you who kept an active game thread last night!  Roll Call!

Stars of the Game

#3  Denard Span  (2-for-4, BB, SB, R)
#2  Joe Mauer  (1-for-4, 2 RBI, R)
#1  Kevin Slowey  (5.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K)