2 GB

by RandBall's Stu on Sep 25, 2009 11:46 PM EDT in Game Recaps

The most important development of the Twins' evening didn't even happen in Kansas City, as Jake Peavy, Gordon Beckham and the White Sox shut the Tigers down, 2-0. The Twins, with some help from the Kansas City pitching staff, did what they were supposed to do, beating an inferior opponent by a final of 9-4, and moving within two games of Detroit.

Carl Pavano did his Carl Pavano thing, scattering 8 hits over six innings, getting into real trouble only when he had to face Billy Butler. Butler, who finished 4-5, accounted for all the Royals scoring with two home runs off of Pavano, who notched his fourth victory as a Twin.

Meanwhile, the Twins hitters basically just waited for Robinson Tejada to implode. Michael Cuddyer, continuing his torrid September, pulled a down-and-sorta-away pitch into the left-center bleachers to give the Twins both their first hit of the game and a 2-1 lead in the 4th. Come the 5th, the rest of the squad was rewarded for their patience, as they drew not one, not two, but three bases-loaded walks to pull away from the Royals for good. I've said it before, I'll say it again: it just has to suck to be a Royals fan.

Butler's second home run did narrow the lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the 5th, but the Twins answered with two runs in the top of the 7th, including a very welcome run-scoring triple from Delmon Young. And that was that.

Other notes:

That bum Mauer went 0-for-2 with three BBs.
This being the Royals, the Twins scored their first run on a wild pitch. This being the Royals, said runner (LNP) scored from 2nd base.
Jon Rauch and Matt Guerrier flirted with danger, but escaped unharmed. Joe Nathan never saw the mound.
When Delmon Young gets around on a ball, it really does go a long bleeping way. His garbage time HR in the 9th was a rocket. It would be so nice if he did that more often.
Denard Span, it's good to have you back.

All in all, as satisfying a night of baseball as you could ask for. Enjoy your weekend, kids. It's a pennant race, for pete's sake. Awesome.

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Another team effort

Nobody got more than two hits or two RBI, the starter allowed four in six innings, and a couple of the bullpen guys allowed runners, but in the end, another W.

Young is swinging the bat better and is deserving to play right now. Cuddyer has been terrific, Punto has been very good and Cabrera has gotten some big hits.

The Twins are still a big underdog, but two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have given them any chance at all. Keep winning, take three of four from Detroit and maybe the last scheduled home game won’t be the last home game.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 26, 2009 8:27 AM EDT reply actions

Mr. September!

Cuddy rocks! MLB Tonight had a nice interview with him after the game. 8 HR in September and the month’s not over!

Great win by the Twins! Only 2 GB and closing (Way to go, Sox)! Let’s keep rolling!

GO TWINS!!!

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is!" -John "Bluto" Blutarsky

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Sep 26, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

Can the Sox do it again?!

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but let’s hope they can win the series this weekend!

"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden

by fischean on Sep 26, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Good game last night

still kind of feeling bad for their SP…ouch. Walking in more than one run, while great for us to watch, has to be painful. Not to mention Buck…catching those pitchers has to be difficult. Poor guy.

That said, go Twins tonight too (two?)!! Let’s close the gap even more! :D

"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden

by fischean on Sep 26, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Are the Twins playing above their heads?

I don’t think so, I think they are finally playing up to ability.
They have been getting hot at the perfect time of the season…if we get a little more help from Chicago and the Twins continue to play at this level I think they will pull off the steal of the season and take the division. I know big if’s but at least the chance is there.

Twins need to just keep winning w/ a big test tomorrow. They pass that and I like our chances going into Detroit.

WinTwins!

by caluofmn on Sep 26, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions