Twins Decimate Orioles in a 19-7 Laffer

Today, the Twins hitters didn't bring the lumber. They brought the whole Louisville Slugger factory. They pounded out 20 hits and 19 runs. Every member of the starting lineup scored at least one run, and it all started in the first inning as the Twins batted around and got RBI singles from Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier and an RBI double from Denard Span to cap off the 7 run first inning. Only one of those runs was earned however as a 2 out error from Mark Reynolds allowed two runs to score. Mauer led off the next inning with a home run to left that just squeaked over. That was the only home run the Twins hit tonight. I don't know how many times a team scores 19 or more runs with only one home run, a solo shot nonetheless, but it cannot be very often.

Since the Twins scored 19 runs tonight, and I've already gone over 8, I'll give you some of the highlights. Justin Morneau had a 3 hit game. Two doubles and an infield single. Denard Span reached 4 times. 3 hits, two of them were doubles and a walk. Ryan Doumit was the only member of the starting lineup without a hit. And the Twins only struck out 3 times today. Two of them were from Joe Mauer, and Willingham was the other victim.

While the hitting was sterling tonight, the 2 of the 3 pitchers were merely mediocre.

Scott Diamond gave up 9 hits and 5 runs in 6 innings. He only struck out 3, but walked only 1. Mark Reynolds tagged him for a home run. It was Reynolds 8th of the year, and the 9th one Diamond gave up.

Anthony Swarzak came in and pitched 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3 along the way.

Matt Capps was called in to get some work in, and promptly gave up a double to former Twins prospect Steve Tolleson, and then a home run to Endy Chavez. He was just trying to make it interesting guys.

The Twins won by 12 runs tonight. There are no duds tonight. So if you wore a Twins jersey today, you are a stud. I wore my Justin Morneau jersey, so that means me as well.

Have a nice night!