Minnesota 5, Kansas City 4 F (10)

by RandBall's Stu on Aug 22, 2009 8:19 AM EDT in Game Recaps

Nick Blackburn didn't get torched. Alexi Casilla went 2-3 and scored the winning run. Joe Nathan blew a save, waved off Ron Gardenhire and threw 53 pitches. But other than that, you know, normal Twins game. Fortunately, lousy fielding and poor fundamentals are part of a normal Royals game, which contributed to a much-needed 5-4 Twins victory Friday night.

Things got off to an all-too-familiar start, with Blackburn (of course) getting the Twins into an early 3-0 hole (of course). HOWEVAH, Blackburn settled down and gave the Twins a 7-inning, quality start. Good to have you back, Nick. Been awhile.

Meanwhile, the Twins hitters finally broke through against Royals starter Luke Hochevar (pronounced "Luke") in the 6th, posting three runs with the help of a throwing error, a wild pitch and a galactically comical misplay of a Denard Span liner by Royals outfielder Josh Anderson, which allowed Span to circle the bases and tie the game. (Span was credited with a triple.)

After Span knocked in the go-ahead run in the 8th, all that was left was for Joe Nathan to close the door. He proceeded to retire the first two batters inf the 9th, and the visiting Twins fans in the crowd rose to their feet to cheer on Nathan as he...gave up a game-tying home run to something called Brayan Pena on a 1-2 pitch. He then almost lost the game completely, as the next batter, Yuniesky Betancourt, missed a home run by inches, settling for a double. Nathan was able to retire David Dejesus to send it to extras.

The Royals sent their own closer, Joakim Soria, out for the 10th inning. After giving up a 1-out hit to Alexi Casilla, Soria faced Orlando Cabrera, who shot one down the right-field line, where it was butchered by Josh Anderson's defensive replacement, Wille Bloomquist. Twins 5, Royals 4. Man, being a Royals fan just has to suck.

Nathan came back out for the bottom of the 10th, allowed two runners to reach, and was laboring mightily when Ron Gardenhire left the dugout to take him out of the game after the second out was recorded. Nathan waved him back into the dugout, much to the delight of the Twins' bench and anyone who remembers the name Jack Morris. On his 53rd pitch of the night, he coaxed Mark Teahen into lining out to Span to end the ballgame.

Weird things happen at Kauffman Stadium, is what I'm saying.

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Crazy game

It never should have gotten into the 10th, Nathan was nibbling on the outside to Pena. He got one on the outside corner, but there were two others that were just as close. You have to imagine Nathan’s probably out the rest of this series…

Casilla had another good game, it’s nice to see him come alive down the stretch.

Blackburn recovered very nicely after the first couple innings. He really seemed to have good movement on the ball last night, perhaps when he gets too much drive (Bert has noted repeatedly he’s not getting enough drive from his lower half), the ball straightens out. That hesitation in mid-delivery seems to be a key for Blackburn.

Mijares is simply getting the job done against left handers. He and Guerrier have solidified the 7th and 8th. Our problem in the bullpen is innings 2 through 6…

by Adam Peterson on Aug 22, 2009 9:28 AM EDT reply actions

"Our problem in the bullpen is innings 2 through 6…"

Just wanted to repeat that. Quite so.

by RandBall's Stu on Aug 22, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Great recap Stu.

I have to admit, I would not be annoyed if you came around durring the week more, you are hillarious.

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby

by FoulJack on Aug 22, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

+1

by fischean on Aug 22, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

ditto

by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 22, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

(pronounced "Luke")

niiice. :)

by ajmargarine on Aug 22, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes!

Excellent post

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 22, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Weird stuff does happen at Kauffman

I would never have guessed we’d see Nathan get a blown save and Soria get a loss on the same night. Two of the game’s best closers, both getting hit hard in the same game? And that’s not even mentioning 53 pitches by Nathan – I wonder how long it’s been since he’s had that many pitches in a game?

by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT reply actions