Sigh.
What what WHAT are you doing, Twins?! They obviously need a sassy gay friend to advise them for the rest of the season...
Brief (very brief, unlike the game) recap, notes, and studs & duds after the jump.
This game was pretty much over in the first inning. The first six batters that Liriano faced got a hit, and before long, there were four runs on the board for Tampa with no outs. Liriano threw over 40 pitches in the first inning, facing all nine batters at least once. It was ugly, and the Twins wouldn't get close all night. Liriano's final line was: 3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO. Not pretty at all.
Eric Hacker (better known as 733t h4XX0r in these parts) came in to attempt to stop the bleeding after Liriano left the bases loaded, and his line ended up being: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO. Dusty Hughes and Jose Mijares would come in to finish the (long, horribly drawn-out) game, with a combined line of: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1BB, and 3 SO. Overall, the Twins walked 9 Rays tonight, clearly proving the point that walks will indeed haunt.
For the Rays, Wade Davis pitched well enough to keep the Twins out of the game, giving up 1 ER in 7 innings. The Legend of Sam Fuld continues, with him picking up a hit and three (THREE) walks during the night. Ugh.
Notes
-Rene Tosoni was called up from AAA Rochester, in order for Delmon Young to go on the DL. More to come on this front, I assume.
-Once again, the offense struggled greatly. 3 of tonight's starters are hitting under .200, and 3 more are hitting under .250. Not a good sign.
-According to the Twitter world, Anthony Swarzak will be making the start for tomorrow's day game, being called up last night. Hacker was optioned to Rochester.
Studs
-Luke Hughes. Went 3-for-4, and though he should have caught that ball in foul territory, his plate appearances were very encouraging.
-D. Hughes and Mijares. Didn't allow any more runs to score, and on a night like tonight, we appreciate that.
-Kuuuubes. 2-for-4 with an RBI. Kubes continues to be on fire so far. Good news.
-STEVE HOLM! His not playing was probably better than some of the guys that were out there tonight. (h/t wwgtd)
Duds
-Francisco Liriano. That's all I'm saying. Not a good night to implode, with the bullpen having to face a double header tomorrow anyway.
-Um...Cuddyer, Morneau, Casilla, Valencia, and Butera. All hitless. Not okay.
-The snow. Seriously??
Fingers crossed for at least a split double header tomorrow, if not a win in both games! Have a good Thursday!