2015 was a season some thought would be another painful one in Minnesota. Especially considering its putrid start to the year. But behind the arm of Tommy Milone and a strong first inning the Twins defeated the Indians tonight, giving the team 81 wins on the year. Despite lacking a true ace, the Twins pitching was spot on tonight and Minnesota has its first winning season in five years.
Tommy Milone started for the Twins after Phil Hughes was scratched this morning due to the same type of bug that has been plaguing the Twins since the weekend. Milone was replaced by Hughes just last week because Milone was experiencing dead arm. Well, Milone certainly had the arm allowing just one earned run, over 5.2 and striking out four before the bullpen shut the door. Glen Perkins pitched a great eighth inning striking out two batters and most importantly looked like the pitcher he was in the first half. Kevin Jepsen picked up his 14 save after a perfect ninth inning.
The Twins jumped out to an early lead and never relinquished it. After Dozier and Hicks were retired to lead off the ball game, the Twins used some two-out magic to jump on Cleveland. Joe Mauer doubled with Miguel Sano following the same suit. Trevor Plouffe stepped and delivered a 417-foot blast, making it a three run first for Minnesota. Birthday boy Eddie Rosario had a big night going 3-4 with a run scored.
Studs
Twins Pitching
Duds
The Nay Sayers