Brian Dozier continues his Man of the Year campaign, and Josmil Pinto is pretty good. Even though the Twins were able to get a runner on in five of the six innings Verlander threw Monday night, the Twins struck out 12 times leaving a grand total of 15 on the bases. It was the same tune once again: no clutch hits, lot of runners left on. However, Mike Pelfrey (although painfully and slowly) strolled out there for 6 innings allowing just 1 earned run.
The Tigers would finally unload on Casey Fien in the 7th. After #CleteSanity worked a one-out walk, Eduardo Escobar and pinch hitter Ryan Doumit landed back-back doubles making it a one-run game. Then in the 9th inning, for the 11th time this year, Brian Dozier led off an inning with a homer to tie the game. More importantly Dozier now has a closer chance of hitting that elusive 20th home run we're all waiting for.
Perk and Swarzak kept the Tigers hitless, and then our Man of the Year, Dozier, lead off the inning with a single. Hammer then struck out, but Dozier did move over to second on a wild pitch. In steps Pinto, who collected his 2nd hit of the game, scoring Dozier and the Twins walk it off in front of a "patient" crowd.
I know Mauer isn't really on board with this whole new position change, but its clear he can't catch anymore, at least catch a whole season. Even though Josmil Pinto has played in just 16 games, he's filling nicely. He was a .300 hitter at two season of AA and with only minor AAA at-bats. He has collected 23 hits in his first 60+ at-bats and has a slash of .397/.578/.975 (Aaron Hicks, take notes). Although Oswaldo Arcia showed exciting flashes early, too, Pinto is a perfect example of the Twins way of diligent minor experience paying off.
Studs:
Brian Dozier
Josmil Pinto
Duds:
All us lack-luster fools who missed a great one at Target Field! Duhhh