Twins Blow 2-Run Lead in 9th; Lose 6-5 to Angels

by Adam Peterson on Jul 24, 2009 7:56 AM EDT in Game Recaps Comment 9 comments

I'm getting real tired of this west coast swing. First the Twins blow a 12-2 lead in Oakland, losing 14-13, then Perkins gets shelled in a 16-1 loss, and now this. Up 5-3 in the bottom of the 9th, All Star closer Joe Nathan on the hill. Coming into the game, Nathan had converted 26 of 28 save opportunities. Automatic, right? In the words of Lee Corso on ESPN College Gameday, "Not so fast, my friend..."

Nathan started the 9th with an uncharacteristic leadoff walk to Bobby Abreu. After a Kendry Morales fly out to Carlos Gomez, Nathan hit Mike Napoli with a 2-2 fastball, putting runners on first and second. Erick Aybar flew out to short right field, failing to advance the runners. Two outs, Gary Matthews Jr. and his .236 batting average at the plate. Nathan quickly went up 1-2, and then started nibbling on the outside corner. After the game, he noted "I thought I had Matthews, but I didn't get the call." The next two pitches (both fastballs) were close, but according to MLB Gameday, they were an inch or two off the outside corner. Nathan came back with a 3-2 slider, low and away, which Matthews dumped into center field to bring the Angels within one run. Howie Kendrick then tied the game with a ground ball right over the second base bag that shortstop Nick Punto just barely couldn't reach. Nathan got ut of the inning with a Reggie Willits ground out, but the damage had been done.

At this point, you know the drill. Morneau, Kubel and Cuddyer went 1-2-3 in the top of the 10th, and Jesse Crain. Yes, Jesse Crain, recently recalled after his demotion, came into the game. Single, sac bunt, intentional walk, double, and it's game over. Angels win 6-5 in 10.

Stars and additional notes after the jump.

Three stars of the game: I have to agree with AdamOnFirst in the game thread last night.

1. Joe Mauer: 3 for 4, 2 runs, 2 RBI, walk. Hopefully this marks the end of his slump.

2. Jason Kubel: 3 run homer in the first

3. Jose Mijares / Matt Guerrier: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO. Got through the 6th, 7th and 8th to get to Joe Nathan.

Three duds:

1. Joe Nathan: All closers blow a save now and then, but why does it always seem to be on the west coast? He wasn't hit hard, but Nathan got himself into trouble with a leadoff walk and HBP.

2. Alexi Casilla: 0 for 4, 2 SO, 4 LOB. He's now down to .168 batting average. DO NOT BAT THIS GUY #2!!!

3. Denard Span: Top of the 9th, Mauer singles in Carlos Gomez. Span gets thrown out by center fielder Garry Matthews to end the inning. The difference between a 2 run lead and a 3 run lead going into the 9th.

0 recs | Comment 9 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Twins had a similar trip last year

I think it was on the 14 game trip last year that they had numerous debacles in Seattle and other West Coast teams. The fact of the matter is that the Twins have lost at least two games on this trip that they should have won (blowing the 10-run lead in Oakland and the two-run ninth inning lead on the Angels). It’s frustrating, but baseball is a 9 inning game, and for some reason the Twins play well for about 6 or 7 innings on the road but struggle to finish teams off.

Obviously this last game was a bit of a fluke. Normally, Nathan is automatic. But it brings up the question of whether this team has lost some confidence in late inning situations after having such a hard time holding leads at the ends of games on the road last year and this year. All I can say is that I went to sleep last night after the 5th inning with the Twins leading 4-2 expecting the Twins to find another way to lose and not wanting to see it.

by Sheldon on Jul 24, 2009 8:26 AM EDT reply actions

If I read the recap correctly, it was Joe Nathan who blew it, not "the pen."

I don’t think that implies a loss of confidence in late inning situations. Nathan inspires a lot of confidence and the team got the ball to him with the lead.

by montanatwinsfan on Jul 24, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

But the fact remains

We had this problem last year too. We struggle to close out teams on the road, and my main point was that if I as a fan am saying, “Here we go again” when things start to go wrong in the late innings on the road, what are the players thinking? And don’t tell me they have fully erased those memories from their minds. They are still human beings, not skilled robots.

by Sheldon on Jul 24, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm sure it gets to the players sometimes,

but I’m also sure most of them are a lot better at dealing with it than we are. At least I hope so, since it’s their job.

Your point though is that the bullpen needs help, and I couldn’t agree more. I like the idea of adding Wuertz.

by Jesse on Jul 24, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Good teams do not lose games like this

very often in a season. This looks for all the world like an average baseball team.

That said, the Angels got awfully lucky on a couple of pitches and struck balls in the 9th inning. Nathan had his glove there, Punto had his glove there with his foot on the bag.

If the ball just goes straight through, Casilla fields it and we win.

by Old Twins Cap on Jul 24, 2009 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

Road Woe-iers

Well at least we can’t complain about Gardy not using Nathan in this game.

It’s disappointing to see Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, and Cuddyer have a solid year at the plate when the rest of the team is such a black hole. I mean if you had Casilla and Punto stand on opposite sides of the plate at the same time, they might still strikeout or hit a weak pop up.

I hope the Twins try to do something to improve this team. Even with getting nothing or just more than nothing from the likes of LNP, Casilla, and No GO the Twins are still scoring runs. This team has enough talent to compete every day with these holes. Fill some of them and who knows.

I hope Nathan gets a chance to bounce back tonight.

Win Twins!

by caluofmn on Jul 24, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

I didn't get to watch the game

However, it sounds like a heartbreaker. I have to say, when Nathan takes the mound, I pretty much assume he’ll get his required three outs and the inning is over. I can’t imagine watching him lose a lead. Sad.

That said…the Twins need to step it up if they want to be competitive at all. This is ridiculous, blowing these leads.

Here’s hoping tonight is better and we see more solid pitching and good plate appearances…

Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham

by fischean on Jul 24, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions

This blown save was

hard to take, but nothing compared the the Yankee game in May. Last night was a fluke with the non strike call and the ball bouncing off 2nd base. Either one of those things change and we are feeling great today. The Yankee blown save was just miserable, and a true blown save.
Either way we lost, and that is what really stinks. I am thinking of taking a break from baseball for a week or two.

Baseball is the soundtrack to my summer.

by FoulJack on Jul 24, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

I have been taking a break since Monday

Monday’s game where we blew the big lead was the last straw for me. If we make a significant trade or go on a 4 or 5 game winning streak (cue the rimshot), I will start watching/listening to the games again. Right now, I am sick of investing my time and emotions into this team when all they are going to do is break my heart.

by Sheldon on Jul 25, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions