Although I don't think for a minute that this is true, the Twins have won consecutive games already this season. Regardless, the Twins have now won two in a row thanks to Friday's 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, narrowing the gap in the AL Central to 14.5 games behind the division-leading Tribe. THE ROAR HAS BEEN RESTORED.
Okay, that's nonsense on stilts, but it was a good game. Carl Pavano had a Carl Pavano 2010 start, in that he labored for awhile, limited the damage, and cruised for a good part of the game, setting down 10 consecutive batters in the late innings. Going into the 9th with 103 pitches, Pavano threw a 1-2-3 inning for his 100th career victory.
Denard Span continued his season-long competency, staking the Twins to a 2-0 lead with a 2-out, 2-run double in the second. Michael Cuddyer extended the lead with (what else) a solo home run to dead center in the third.
The Royals made it 3-2 in the fourth, but would've tied the game if not for the game's unlikeliest star, Sweet Drew Butera. The Twins catcher blocked the plate to perfection to prevent Wilson Betemit from scoring on a fielder's choice and preserve the lead. Things got small in the sixth, when Butera hit a 2-out double to score Luke Hughes and make the score 4-2. I don't really know how to explain this, so if you didn't see the game, you'll really just have to take my word for it that it happened. If you still doubt me, I can't blame you.
Minnesota pushed the lead to 5-2 on a sac fly by...Drew Butera AGAIN? What the shit? Even I don't believe that, and it just happened right in front of me on the TV. That said, the Twins almost didn't get the run due to Ben Revere getting called out at third a hair after Delmon Young scored the run, so if the baserunning was shaky, it must have occurred.
Studs: Sweet Drew! The former Pavstache! It's just like old times! The dumpsters of Kansas City will burn with the fires of celebration! (Also: Denard Span deserves some mention here for his double and triple, even though he was thrown out trying to extend the latter for an inside-the-park home run.)
Duds: no duds for wins until they win a lot more games.
Enjoy your weekend, everybody.