Twins Fall to Seattle Again, 3-2

Both Scott Diamond and Jason Vargas gave their teams a chance to win, but neither figured in the decision, as the Mariners got to the Twins bullpen in the ninth to hand the Twins a 3-2 defeat, their eighth loss in nine games.

The Twins got on the board first for a change, when Justin Morneau drove in Jamey Carroll in the top of first to make it 1-0. The Mariners evened it on a Dustin Ackley single in the third, but Matt Carson limited the damage with a strike to third base, nailing Brendan Ryan.

It settled into a pitcher's duel between Diamond and Vargas at that point, with both pitchers maintaining their downward planes and other baseball terms until the 7th. In the top of the frame, the Twins loaded the bases on Vargas with the murderer's row of Matt Carson, Pedro Florimon and Darin Mastroianni all hitting singles. A Mauer groundout pushed Carson across to put the Twins ahead.

Diamond was unable to hold the lead, as Justin Smoak "smoaked" one (GET IT) to tie the game again. He left after 6 and 2/3 with 2 earned, 9 hits, 2 Ks and no walks.

In the ninth, the Twins loaded the bases with two outs against what seemed like all of the Seattle relievers, but according to the box score it was just three. Josh Willingham flied out to end the threat.

Which is a shame, as possible Golem Tyler Robertson loaded the bases with nobody out (single, bunt single, walk). The Twins brought in Casey Fien to face John Jaso, who hit a sacrifice fly to end it.

Studs: Diamond; Carson (3-4, outfield assist); Florimon (kickass triple)

Duds: Robertson; Trevor Plouffe, who did not build off last night's base hit.

Enjoy your Sunday, everybody.