Well, that was fun for a minute.
Tonight's game started otut swimmingly enough for Carl Pavano as he started us off with three scoreless innings. The offense even caught a break, as Darin Mastroianni scored on a passed ball. But that would be it until the late innings. Pavano's luck also ran out, as he gave up a ground rule double to Asdrubal Cabrera, which moved Jason Kipnis to third. Kipnis would come around to score on Travis Hafner's ground ball to Mauer, and Cabrera would also score on Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly to left field. In the very next inning, Pavano would give up a double to Jose Lopez, and a home run to Casey Kotchman. At this point, the Indians were up 4-1. And that seemed like it was the game. Until the 8th inning.
It started very innocently. Denard Span walked, and Brian Dozier flew out after battling Indians reliever, Vinnie Pestano for 8 pitches. Up came Mauer, who forced Pestano to use 7 pitches before finally retiring him. Then came the thunder, so to speak. Josh Willingham came up, and promptly doubled home Span, who had stolen second on Mauer's strike out. Manny Acta came out replace Pestano with Nick Hagadone, who threw two balls to Doumit, before delivering a strike. A strike that Ryan Doumit sent 401 feet over the left field wall. We had a tied game!
But, again, in the very next inning, Matt Capps came in, and he gave up a single to Kotchman, who was ran for by Lou Marson. Capps threw a wild pitch to move him to second, and Shin-Soo Choo singled him home. 5-1 would be the final score, as Chris Perez picks up what had to be the easiest save of his career. He threw 12 pitches, and 7 of them were to Jamey Carroll.
Notes: Chris Parmelee looks so lost right now.
Studs and Duds after the jump.
Studs: Josh Willingham, Ryan Doumit, and Denard Span. All for their offensive prowess, and Brian Dozier for his web gem play tonight. Francisco Liriano.
Duds: Joe Mauer 0-4 with 5 men left on base. Matt Capps, Drew Butera, and Trevor Plouffe.
It could've been worse tonight, but it could've, and should've been much better. Good night! And remember, it's a day game tomorrow!