If you just watched the first couple innings, you would not have guessed that this game would become a pitcher's duel. Scott Baker gave up back-to-back doubles to put the Twins in an early 1-0 hole. David Price was wild as hell, walking the first two batters in the first before striking out Joe Mauer and coaxing a double play from Justin Morneau to end the inning, then putting the first two runners on in the third before wriggling out of that jam.
After that, Price showed why he'll probably be your American League starting pitcher in the All-Star Game, throwing a no-hitter until a Danny Valencia single in the 6th, and giving Twins hitters no chance. Meanwhile, Baker stepped up in a big way, shutting down the Rays through the 7th, walking none and striking out eight.
It seemed as if Baker's excellent start would go to waste. However, with two outs in the 7th, Jason Kubel's Beard singled, Delmon Young smacked a double to tie the game, and, as we all predicted, Valencia laced a single to score Young and put the Twins ahead.
After that, it came down to the Twins bullpen. Brian Duensing: two outs. Jesse Crain: one out after making it interesting. Jon Rauch three outs after making it interesting. Twins win, 2-1. Huzzah!
Studs:
- Danny Valencia. Twins had four hits the whole game. Valencia, playing his second game in two weeks against arguably the best pitcher in the league, accounted for two of them, including the one that plated the game-winning RBI.
- Scott Baker. 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 0 BB 8 K. Baker stepped up in a rather large way
- David Price. As bitter as Thursday's loss was, Friday's victory over Price is a major positive. He's good.
- Jesse Crain. Yes, he made it more difficult than it should have been, but he struck out Kelly Shop Vac in the 8th on a full count.
- Jon Rauch. Yes, he made it more difficult than it should have been, but he induced a grounder from Carl Crawford to end the game.
Duds:
- The kids setting off firecrackers in the alley behind my house. Hold off until Sunday, for Pete's sake.
Hey baby, it's the 4th of July. Enjoy your weekend, everybody.