Michael Cuddyer hit the go-ahead triple in the 10th inning to lead the Minnesota Twins over the Oakland A's at the Oakland Colosseum.
Anthony Swarzak, Matt Guerrier, and Joe Nathan combined to hold the A's to just two runs on four hits over 10 innings. Swarzak benefited from three double plays, working around three walks, and keeping the A's down for seven innings. Guerrier picked up the win with two flawless innings. And Nathan's 1-2-3 10th gave him this 26th save.
A's Ace Dallas Braden matched Swarzak pitch by pitch through seven. His fastball/changeup differential (14 MPH) kept the Twins guessing. Despite that, both Joe Crede and Joe Mauer had two hits on the night and both scored. Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer added run scoring triples to give the Twins just enough offense to win on this night.
Studs:
Joe Mauer: Nice to see him break out a little with a 2-5 night, putting him atop the MLB batting race for this night.
Joe Crede: Welcome back Joe!
Anthony Swarzak: He battled with no breaking ball through four. He started getting the curve over in the fifth and three like 20 of them in the last three innings to dominate.
Duds:
Scott Hairston: 0-4
Matt Holliday: 0-4
Jack Cust: 0-3 with 2 Ks and a BB. Swing the bat once a game at least!
The middle three hitters were 0-11 with a walk and 3 Ks.