Pirates 7, Twins 2: Offense Can't Get Going; Pitching Shaky Again

It's starting to look like the Twins' annual June hot-streak might be coming to an end.

There weren't many particular stand-out pitching or offensive moments in this game for the Twins. In fact, it was a rather boring game (for Twins fans, at least). Scott Diamond gave up a homerun to Pirates' lead-off hitter Jose Tabata on his very first swing in the top of the first--a homerun which apparently bounced off Josh Willingham's chest over the fence as he attempted to grab it--and the Twins trailed ever after. Diamond ended up doing okay, pitching 5.1 innings while giving up 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, but it just wasn't enough.

Denard Span hit a 2-run homerun in the top of the 7th inning, marking the Twins only runs scored in the game. The Twins threatened again in the 8th, with runners on the corners with one out, after Steve Liddle held Ben Revere (who had been at second) at third base on a Josh Willingham single. Alas, Pirates reliever Tony Watson came in and got Justin Morneau to pop-up and Ryan Doumit (former Pirate) to strikeout.

But wow, how about that PNC Park? It sure is pretty. As noted by Twinkie Town community member ColossusOfRhode, the right field wall at PNC Park is 21 feet tall in honor of Roberto Clemente. How cool is that?

Studs and duds after the jump.

Studs:

• Denard Span: 1 for 5, with one 2-run homerun (only runs scored).
• Trevor Plouffe: 2 for 3, 1 walk.
• Alexi Casilla: 1 for 1 on pinch hit (also, why isn't he playing more?)