This was a great series, largely because it consisted of three pretty good games. Also because the Twins came out on top of all three. As badly as those first few weeks of the season were, it seems like the last three weeks have been just as impressive. Although, impressive in a good way.
For me there's one performance that really stands out from this weekend's weep of the Padres, and a couple others that you could call critical performances at critical times. Let's see what you think, as I introduce this weekend's nominees.
Scott Baker: Baker's 8-inning, 10-strikeout performance on Saturday was brilliant. It's hard to say enough good things about how really, seriously, awesomely good he's been recently, and this performance was easily one of his strongest performances in what's been a very good season to date.
Danny Valencia: 2-for-7, 2 HR, 4 RBI. Before being removed from Saturday night's game with a tight bicep/tricep, Valencia had delivered twice. His first was a three-run homer in the five-run first inning outburst during Friday night's contest, which ended up being a critical moment as the Padres fought back to make it just a one-run game. His other moment was arguably even more critical, as his solo homer in the second inning on Saturday night was the difference in support of Baker's game. It was the only run in a 1-0 contest.
Rene Tosoni: Tosoni was 2-for-5 in the series, with his biggest hit being a clutch two-out double down the first base line to tie Sunday's game at three.
Matt Tolbert: Tolbert was 1-for-1 yesterday, delivering a big double into the gap to score Tosoni for the go-ahead run in Sunday's game.
Drew Butera: Butera's lone plate appearance delivered yesterday's game-winning run.