Twins hitters struck out 16 times today against Detroit Tiger pitching.
Even with that offensive ineptitude, the Twins did nab 3 runs thanks to home runs from Justin Morneau and Denard Span, but poor starting pitching was once again the story today. Carl Pavano took the mound for the Twins and didn't last very long, allowing 6 runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Although Pavano did give up 2 runs right away in the first inning, he did keep the score knotted at 2 until the 5th inning when the following sequence of hits occurred: Single, single, single, double, single, single. Those 6 consecutive hits led to 4 runs, and Pavano was chased from the game.
On the other side, Max Schezer was able to continue his success from his last start, where he had 15 strikeouts in 7 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This time around, he struck out 9 Twins in 5 1/3 innings, and easily would have pitched deeper into the game if it wasn't for a ~40 minute rain delay in the bottom of the 6th inning.
After the delay was over, Tigers manager chose to turn to reliever Octavio Dotel, and the strikeout parade continued. Dotel, Joaquin Benoit, and Jose Valverde combined for 7 more strikeouts, shutting the door on the Twins offense for the rest of the day.
Studs
Denard Span (2 for 4, 2B, HR), Ben Revere (3 for 4), Justin Morneau (1 for 4, 2 run HR), Brian Duensing (2 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 K)
Duds
*deep breath* Josh Willingham (0 for 4, 4 K), Brian Dozier (0 for 4, 3 K, fielding error on routine double play grounder), Alexi Casilla (0 for 4, 2 K), Drew Butera (0 for 3, 3 K), Carl Pavano (4 1/3 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 2 K)