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Angels 5, Twins 1: Ervin Santana Follows up No-Hitter with Complete Game

By Adam Peterson
This ball went a LONG way.
This ball went a LONG way.

With less than two months left in the season, there is very little margin for error for the Twins if they are going to have any chance of catching the division leading Detroit Tigers. And it doesn't help to face a red hot pitcher like Ervin Santana, who was coming off a no hitter in his previous start. While Santana didn't have no-hit stuff last night, he was good enough to scatter eight hits and give up only one run in his second straight complete game. Even though Santana deserves a lot of credit, the Twins offense had plenty of chances with eight hits and two walks and base runners in all but one inning (the 7th), including the leadoff hitter in five of nine innings. But a combined 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and two double plays were enough to squash any rallies throughout.

On the mound, the long ball did Brian Duensing in, as Mark Trumbo launched a three run, 457 foot moon shot to put the Angels up 4-1 in the fourth inning. And in the next inning, Torii Hunter got hold of a 3-2 change-up to provide the final result. The Twins are going to need a winning streak very soon, hopefully tonight will be a start. Studs and duds are after the jump, enjoy the late game...

Studs

  1. Denard Span: 0-3, BB, SB. He didn't have a huge night offensively, but it was great to see him back at the top of the lineup, not to mention in a Twins uniform.
  2. Michael Cuddyer: 2-4, R, 2B. He's now batting .300, but with his performance this season he may be pricing himself out of what the Twins can afford in a contract next year.
  3. Matt Capps: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R. Pitched a perfect ninth inning, with three ground outs.

Duds

  1. Brian Duensing: 6.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 HR, 2 BB, 3 SO. All eight of the base hits allowed were against right handed batters. If he's going to have consistent success as a starting pitcher, he's going to have to get right handers out on a more consistent basis.
  2. Trevor Plouffe: 0-3, SO. He's now batting .196, but with Alexi Casilla out I'd recommend Plouffe get the majority of playing time at second base.

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