BRIAN DUENSING IS YOUR GOD NOW

Remember this: Brian Duensing is in the starting rotation because the Twins had no other options.  All our desperation moves should work out so well, huh?

Duensing went 6.1 innings, surrendering just four hits (2 of the weak-ass infield variety), and earned  the victory in the Twins' 3-0 shutout of the gagging Detroit Tigers.  Beyond Duensing, your other game MVP would be Michael Cuddyer, who blasted a 2-run dong off Tigers starter Fredrick Arthur Treacher Porcello Super Bowl XIV in the 4th to put the Twins up for good.  Delmon Young added an RBI double in the 6th to push the lead to three runs, and the Twins' bullpen shut the door.  Joe Nathan notched his 42nd save with a smidge of drama, allowing the tying run to reach the plate before enticing a pop-up back to the mound to end the game.

Observations:

As per usual, Curtis Granderson managed to be at the plate or on base for roughly 18 of Detroit's 27 outs, but somehow did not manage to score or knock in any runs.  Orlando Cabrera made a nice, stumbling catch in the 5th with two men on to make that so.

Jose Mijares owned the last two outs of the 7th.  Jon Rauch acquitted himself nicely in the 8th, despite the neck tattoo.  Seriously, I just don't understand it.

Joe Mauer: 0-for-2, 2 BB.  Ichiro is 2-for-2 as I type this and a much better MVP candidate than Derek Jeter.

Back to Duensing: seven starts, 4 wins, 1.70 ERA.  I did not predict that.

The next biggest game of the year is at 3:00 Saturday afternoon.  Verlander v. Pavano.  Get your yardwork done early, take care of your honey-do list, and pull up a chair with your favorite beverage.  (I recommend the beer.)  Enjoy your weekend, folks.  Here's hoping the next time we talk that it's still a pennant race.