Twins Split Doubleheader with Marlins; Arcia Blasts First Home Run

Oswaldo Arcia blasted his first career home run to lift the Twins over the Marlins in game one of Tuesday's double header, creating what would be the highlight of the day for our home team. The three run shot--traveling an estimated 401 feet--was absolutely Thome-esque, landing on the concourse past the flagpoles in right field. It also happened to be the first home run ever surrendered by the Marlins young rookie pitcher Jose Fernandez.

"That was the farthest ball hit here for sure that I've seen this year," Kevin Correia told the Pioneer Press. "Couldn't have come at a better time. That was clutch."

Brian Dozier added, "I like this guy."

And whoever had "First Home Run" in the "When Will People Start Calling Him Ar-SEE-ya!" pool, stop forward to claim your prize--a graphic including the nickname played on the scoreboard as Arcia rounded the bases.

Correia was also a big part of the win, once again coming out to the mound and giving two giant middle fingers to all the Twins fans who doubted him. Kevy, as I'm sure manager Gardenhire calls him, gave up two earned runs and one walk on five hits over 7 innings, making for another quality start. Correia has pitched a quality start in all four of his starts so far this year.

Unfortunately, game two of the double header didn't go as well for the Twins, and the pitching was most to blame for that. I don't want to pick on anyone, but let's just say an unknown pitcher--we'll call him Pike Melfrey--had a really bad start. The Marlins loaded the bases with only one out in the top of the first inning, and led off the next inning with three straight singles. The poor start left the Twins with a four run deficit by the end of the second inning.

Although the Twins offense battled back to within striking distance a couple more times--thanks in part to a wild pitch by Ricky Nolasco when the Twins had the bases loaded in the third inning, effectively eliminating the Twins bases-loaded trap--they were never able to even up the score or take the lead. Anthony Swarzak and Ryan Pressly both gave rather lackluster performances out of the bullpen, each pitching 1.2 innings and giving up two earned runs and one earned run respectively. Pedro Hernandez was the only Twins pitcher to not give up any runs--but by the ninth inning, it was too little too late.

Studs

• Oswaldo Arcia: 2 for 9 in both games, but with his first-career and go-ahead three-run home run in game one. Doubled Rob Brantly off third base on a fly-ball from Joe Mahoney.
• Eduardo Escobar: 3 for 3 with a triple, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored in game two.
• Aaron Hicks: Got his fourth career hit, raising his average to .073 (You can do it Aaron! Baby Steps!)
• Kevin Correia: 7 innings, 2 earned runs on 5 hits, 1 walk. Suck it, yee of little faith.
• Brian Dozier: 3 for 4 in game one with a lead-off triple and 1 run scored. Not quite as well in game two, but who put a nickle in Dozier? Geez.