For the first time all season Joe Mauer roped two doubles. That's not a typo guys, I knew some time in Milwaukee can do a man good! Sadly the Twins went just 2-10 with RISP, dropping the opener of the border-battle with the Brew-Crew. It was Milwaukee's first win against the Twins since 2012. Minnesota was going against a familiar face in Matt Garza who may have delivered his best start of the season. Garza went 7.1 surrendering no runs and striking out eight. That's not to say the Twins bats did not get too him. The Twins had their chances against the former USA-Today Minor League player of the year. Joe roped a one-out double in the first inning but Plouffe and Arica grounded out leaving Mauer stranded in scoring position. Joe would rope another double to lead off the 4th, but once again the Twins weren't able to send him home. It was a tough day for Trevor Plouffe, who went 0-4, seeing only 13 pitches and committing two errors in the field. Brian Dozier also had a solid day at the plate and roped his ninth double of the year in the 5th, unfortunately Joe struck out to end another possible threat.
Kyle Gibson (Gibby) was in cruise control through the first three innings sending each Brewer down in order. He even collected a hit in the game as well. However the Brewers would answer in the 4th with runs batted in from Jonathan Lucroy and, who was it, Carlos Gomez? (who ever that is) Making it a 2-0 lead for Milwaukee. Scooter Gennett would lead off the 5th inning with a double followed by a moon-shot from Mark Reynolds doubling up the lead. Gibby's would finish six complete innings before Anthony Swarzak took over the 7th. Milwaukee would add another run from Plouffe's throwing error making it 5-0 after seven.
Minnesota finally got on the board in the 8th when Joe and Oswaldo Arcia (of all people) reached on singles and the red hot Josh Willingham drove in Mauer on an infield single, putting Minnesota on the board. Willingham reached base safely in all four plate appearances and now has RBI in each of his last 5 games and his showing serious flashes of the 2012 Willingham that won a silver slugger. Danny Santana returned to the lineup too, having ANOTHER multi-hit affair. Alright Danny! Twins will play one more in Milwaukee before heading home to Target Field to complete the series.
Studs:
Joe (duh)
Willingham
Santana
Duds:
Plouffe
Twins hitting with RISP (for like the 20th time)