Twins Defeat Phillies In 11, Mauer's Homerun Caps Five-Run Ninth
by Jesse on Jun 19, 2010 9:43 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintPlease tell me you did NOT give up on watching this game.
For real. Because if you did, you missed one of the greatest experiences of baseball: your team overcoming a terrible start and massive deficit in the late innings to comeback and steal the win. Because that's exactly what happened today.
Kevin Slowey was hammered early. After being spotted a three-run lead thanks to a few big hits, including a two-run single by Justin Morneau and an RBI double by Delmon Young, Slowey proceeded to unravel before our eyes. He limped through the first inning and was tagged for three runs, escaping the frame with a tie ballgame. But he wouldn't finish the second.
Ryan Howard's 14th home run of the season, and his third of the series, chased Slowey with two outs in the second inning. Slowey had allowed another four runs in the second inning, and by the end of the third the Twins were trailing 8-3. A game that had started out so promising in the top half of the first had turned into a nightmare for the bullpen, who were facing a second long game in a row.
Newly arrived Jeff Manship did his job admirably, getting the Twins through the seventh inning by allowing one walk and two hits (one of which was a solo home run). Forgetting the outcome of the game it was a huge performance for a bullpen that simply wasn't in a position to peicemeal together a game from the second inning.
After Morneau and Jayson Werth traded solo home runs in the sixth and seventh, a scoreless eighth led to what can only be described as an inning of destiny, where the Twins trailed 9-4.
Young kicked it off with another base hit before Jim Thome came in to pinch hit for Daniel Valencia. Thome worked a full count from Jose Contreras, then kicked off what would be a monumental comeback by blasting his sixth home run of the year into the Minnesota bullpen in center field. Drew Butera, who was warming up relief pitchers in the 'pen, caught Thome's bomb; the 570th of big Jimmer's career. The gap was now 9-6, with no outs.
Thome's home run moves him into sole possession of 11th place on the all-time list, one ahead of juicer Rafael Palmeiro. Next up on the list is our own Harmon Killebrew, at 573.
Nick Punto reached base four times today and he followed Thome's blast with a single, advancing to second on defensive indifference before Jason Kubel popped up for the first out of the ninth. Punto would move up to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a single by Denard Span. 9-7, one away.
Orlando Hudson struck out, but Span stole second for his 14th steal of the season, setting the stage for the slumping Joe Mauer. With first base open the Phillies and Brad Lidge went after Mauer, whose average was down to .302 after going 0-for-4.
Lidge came inside on Mauer, and Mauer made him pay, sending Lidge's second slider to the right field side of center for his third home run of the season. As the Twins fans in Philly went nuts in a suddenly silent ballpark, Joe rounded the bases all business. The Minnesota bench was electrified, but Mauer didn't even crack a smile.
Matt Guerrier pitched the bottom of the ninth, and struck out the side (Victorino, Howard, Werth) to complete his second scoreless inning of work.
But remember Drew Butera? The same Butera who had caught Thome's 570's homerun? The same Butera who had picked up six hits in 42 plate appearances? He knocked Chad Durbin's third fastball over the fence. It was glorious. Sadly, on an infield hit by Span later in the inning, Punto tried scoring from second base. Chase Utley made a diving stop to keep the ball from rolling into the outfield, and then made a great throw home to get him. I'm not sure who's to blame here--Punto or Scott Ullger--but this was a massive screwup that ended the inning. Instead of the bases loaded for Hudson with two away, the Twins took a one-run lead into the bottom of the tenth, where Ross Gload hit a two-out homer to tied the game back up at ten.
Thankfully, in the top of the 11th, the Twins would put the finishing touches on a game that looked over by the third inning. Mauer walked, and with the pitcher's spot due up after Morneau the Phillies wisely walked the big Canadian as well. Then Ron Gardenhire and Charlie Manuel traded stupid moves.
With one out, instead of giving Rauch the "take all the way" sign to stay out of the double play, the Twins told him to bunt. Chancing a pop-up, or even worse a terrible bunt that could have given Philly a chance to get Mauer out at third, Rauch was even bunting on 0-2...but he laid it down, and did the job he was told to do. Gardenhire essentially took the bat out of the hands of his hottest hitter, Delmon Young, by opening up first base.
But then Manuel out-did Gardy's terrible call by making an even worse one: pitching to Delmon, with the light-hitting Matt Tolbert on deck. Young made the Phillies pay by delivering his third hit of the game (raising his average to .307), and plating Mauer. And just to show that the baseball gods are vengeful gods, Tolbert proceeded to double down the left field line. Two more runs scored, and Jon Rauch picked up the win with a scoreless bottom of the eleventh.
This was an incredible game. Everyone has been on either side of an outcome like this, and it's not like the Phillies are a bad team. We all know they're not. But this one went our way, and I'll take it. After the pounding Philly gave us yesterday, this pounding is just a bit easier to take. I'll see you tomorrow.
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I was wondering about that too
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Jun 19, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I turned it off after Cabrera struck out in the top of the ninth.
Can’t call it worse than that. :cone of shame:
http://www.realityfish.com
HEY!
He’s got a Pavstache too!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"A lot of us didn't even know the rule." -LNP
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jun 19, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought I was the only one to think of Tony Orlando in conjunction with Hudson and Cabrera
I joked to myself that we’d have to settle for him over the other too. Yet I’ll bet he’d literally hit better than Harris.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jun 19, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I turned it off after Werth hit a HR in the 7th
then turned it back on in the 9th after Thome homered. Glad I turned it back on. It was awesome!
Congrats to Butera for a nicely timed first MLB HR.
Hopefully this win is a turning point for our guys.
I was in this one all the way...
Just an epic comeback in a game filled with ups and downs. I enjoyed a very stiff drink when it was over. And I do mean enjoy.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jun 19, 2010 10:36 PM EDT reply actions
And Porcello coughed up the Tigers game
Adding to my good mood for the day!
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
Amen to that...
He’s only 20! He’s only 20! He’s only 20! He’s only 20! He’s only 20! He’s only 20! He’s only 20!
by MarshalltheIrish on Jun 20, 2010 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions
21
Over the hill
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"A lot of us didn't even know the rule." -LNP
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jun 20, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Half the Phillies fans left before the Twins comeback
Ha ha.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Butera's Homerun
In addition to being his first homerun and coming in such a big spot, today was the first time his dad was in attendance during his big league career. He’s an MLB scout and just arrived in Philly today. Perfect timing.
by Twins Territory on Jun 19, 2010 10:39 PM EDT reply actions
As long as Butera is up here
We need his dad in attendance every time he plays. In all seriousness though, what a great day it must have been for Drew to get his first MLB HR with his dad watching.
Can we get a Twinkie Town fund started so he can go to more of Butera's games?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Jun 20, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I gave up on the FOX broadcast in the bottom of the second.
Those guys were just brutal. I did hear the rest of the game on the radio.
Even though I know it wasn’t the best game ever, it sure felt like it for the final three innings.
+1
This is when I put Karros on mute (inning 3):
“The key at bat for the game so far was Valencia’s. Once the Twins failed to put another run across, you could just sense the momentum going to the Phillies. You just knew that they would score at least three in the bottom of the inning.”
After Mauer’s homer, my wife insisted on having the sound on, so we were treated to this:
“The key at bat in the ninth was not the Thome or Mauer homers. The key at bat was Punto’s walk. That was really the key at bat for the whole game.”
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Radio announcers
I too turned it off after the 2nd inning, but not to listen to the radio, i sometimes have to listen to games on the radio, but Gordon and especially Dan Gladden suck as announcers, IMO.
by Blairpaul715 on Jun 20, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
One of the best wins of my fanhood
And when I saw 8-4 and 9-4 scores when I checked my cell phone earlier, I just had to tell myself, “It’s over. They’re not coming back.” I’m at a loss for words out of excitement! Definitely up there with the marathon extra-inning battle against the White Sox and Kubel slamming Rivera among our best wins this year. Hell, it is THE best win of the year thus far.
The great moments and twist and turns are literally too many to list, but it should be noted how classy it was for the Philly Phaitful to applaud Thome after his homer. And of course, Baby Jeebus tied it up with two outs. And that’s just a part of it. Damn.
I think I’ll download this one from iTunes.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jun 19, 2010 10:48 PM EDT reply actions
Thoughts...
-This would be a nice time for the boys to kick it up a notch. They’ve been playing fairly mediocre ball all month (yes i know injuries…). Yes there’s time with our division and we tend to be a second half team but it would be kind of nice for the starters to be able to take it down a notch in September for once.
-Have to admit was very nervous with Guerrier facing their middle of the order with the game on the line. Obviously the dudes been solid for us with the exception of one year, but the combination of his mediocre fastball and ballsiness to attack hitters no matter the circumstances has gotten him burned before, in situations where it really hurts. Anyways that’s the best I’ve seen him look in awhile. His breaking stuff was falling off the table, particularly against Howard.
-Harris? Really? Brutal. I was a supporter of his when Gardy consistently benched him in favor of weaker players. Thought his defense was underrated at 3rd and he’s been a pretty solid doubles hitter at times. Anyways, it just seems like Gardy probably broke his spirit… The organization needs to not sign contracts to players who don’t jell well with Gardy and do the smart thing and trade them like they did with Bartlett. Don’t get me wrong I love Bartlett and what he brings to a ballclub but it was pretty obvious from the get go that Gardy had some issue with him. Basically, its time to cut ties. Irreparable damage at this point.
-Punto keep it up buddy. Just keep having good at bats… I’ve hated the Gardy-Punto man love from the beginning. I mean honestly, it’s been a maddening journey. Especially during the mendoza times. But seriously I’ve come to realize as a Twins fan, you just have to root for him. Cause so long as Gardy is managing, Punto’s going to be trotting out onto that field…
-Slowman. C’mon dude. Did you not watch Blackburn yesterday? Cookies are not to be served in Philly.
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
I had to listen to the rest on the way to work
Then saw Rauch get that last K!
Awesome win! :D
Morneau is going to have to keep growing his hair a while longer.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"A lot of us didn't even know the rule." -LNP
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jun 19, 2010 10:56 PM EDT reply actions
Pavano v. Halladay
Have to admit, could be some interesting suprises tomorrow. Either Pavs throws a gem or his final line will be something silly like 8IP and 7Runs… Bring out the studs tomorrow!
Span CF
Hudson 2B
Young LF
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer 3B
Kubel LF
Punto SS
Butera C
Pavano P
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
Agreed...
I was hoping he would. He rested earlier this week and we’re off tomorrow. Plus, today wasn’t a real night game, it was more of a late-afternoon thing.
I think it's 50/50
It wasn’t really a night game, but it did go on for almost 4 hours.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Jun 19, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think were there yet...
Mauer has been fairly mediocre since his heel injury. I’d keep giving him rest when it makes sense. Plus it’s not like he’s lit up Halladay 2-14 (.143). Hopefully Pavstache can keep it close and he can have some formidable weapons off the bench with Mauer and Thome.
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jun 19, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
.429/.543/.571
Damn… Thome’s line vs. Halladay. No way to get him in the lineup unless you sit Morneau though…
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
Woah
Maybe if we have to pinch hit for the Pitcher and Doc is still going?
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Jun 19, 2010 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I missed all of the game until the 7th inning on. So I basically saw all of the good parts.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
Oh, and I watched it at a bar next to three Phillies fans to add to the greatness.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
There are just no words
That can do this win justice. Wow.
I always loved that one.
by FoulJack on Jun 19, 2010 11:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Just looked at ESPN's Bat v. Pitch for Doc
And Delmon is hitting .389/.421/.611 against him in 18 at bats.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
Wow
I missed every second of this :( At least it wasn’t by choice—I was going to miss it no matter what.
Thanks for the great re-cap. Gotta say, it would have been tough to stick with it; especially with the U.S. Open on another channel. However, a W is a W and the Central will be ours for another day :)
Yeah, Twins!
Let's Go Twins!
Minnesota Wild Off-season: In Fletch We Trust.
Jimmers HR is worth seeing again
Mauer’s HR was well hit to deep center, but Jimmers hit FAR over the CF wall. The bullpen is recessed quite a bit from the fence.
That was a bomb
Had to be well over 450 feet.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Saw in the PiPress this morning
That a Twins fan caught Butera’s homer and gladly gave it to him for a signed ball from him and one from Joe Mauer.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
I saw that
Before I read “and one from Joe Mauer” I was thinking “Who the hell would make that trade??”
"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez
What a game
and fortunately I was able to watch it here in Maryland. Usually we end up with stinkers in the Fox GOTW, always Yankees or Red Sox, but somehow we got Twins-Phillies. Thome and Mauer were huge in the 9th, but they still needed 3+ other guys to do their jobs before the homers even get you close.
Have to love Manship coming in there and shutting down Philly after Slowey pulled a Blackburn. Makes you wonder if Blackburn is going to head to the DL with Manship taking his place.
Rauch, he gives up a bunch of fly balls, bad news for that ballpark. But he rebounded to close out the 11th.
Congrats to Butera on his first home run. Big time to do it, too.
And finally, Delmon. He keeps coming up big, showing that power we’ve been waiting for. And UZR even has him slightly above average, +0.4, so he’s been pretty valuable.
Sorry to hear that
I was shocked to get the Twins, but I suppose I’m closer to Philadelphia. Never stopped them before though…
by Adam Peterson on Jun 21, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
CRAP I GAVE UP I CAUGHT
innings 3-6 then was like shiot son this one’s over
and went out and golfed/ drank beer and was not too happy NO CLUE they came back and won till just now WOW!!!
+ I didn’t see today’s game and i figured it was a “L” with Doc on the mound for them….
wow just wow
Wow Blackburn makes nearly identical money as Baker does now....
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jun 20, 2010 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
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