This was a pitching match-up of surprise stars thus far this season, between Jeff Samardzija and Scott Diamond. One ended up taking a beating, while the other was on cruise control the entire game.
The Twins, aided by a 6-run 4th inning, were able to knock around Samardzija, while Diamond looked like he was barely sweating on a 90+ degree afternoon as the Twins beat the Cubs 11-3 on Saturday afternoon.
Minnesota took an early 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning, when after consecutive singles by Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau, a Samardzija wild pitch moved each up 90 feet. Trevor Plouffe then grounded out, bringing in Willingham, and Brian Dozier plated Morneau with a single.
In the 4th is when all hell broke loose for the Twins. Sending 11 men to the plate, they notched 7 hits, including 4 doubles in the inning. Willingham, the best hitter for the Twins in 2012, was out of character though as he recorded two of the outs in the inning (fly out and strikeout).
On the pitching side, Scott Diamond faced a few threats, but was able to put out the fire every time. In the first inning, Reed Johnson hit a leadoff double, but Diamond was able to strand him at 3rd base. The 3rd, 5th, and 6th innings would also feature a Cubs baserunner at 2nd base, but every time Diamond prevented Chicago from scoring. His 6 IP, 0 ER outing lowered his ERA to 1.61.
Studs
Joe Mauer (3 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI), Trevor Plouffe (2 for 4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI), Scott Diamond (6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K), probably more but I'm only picking the very best from today.
Duds
Jeff Gray (2 IP, 3 ER), and.... Ryan Doumit? (1 for 5, 7 left on base)