Twins 5, Diamondbacks 0: Snake-rattlin’ roll

If you thought last night’s victory against the Diamondbacks was decisive, get a load of this one. Jose Berrios and the Twins pitched a two-hit shutout against one of the National League’s top playoff contenders.

At first, it might have been the same old story. The Twins loaded the bases off Arizona starter Zack Greinke on a single an two walks in the bottom of the 1st, but came away empty-handed. However, Greinke’s control would be his undoing tonight -- and in the 4th, he came undone.

Eddie Rosario led off the frame with a single, and Eduardo Escobar reached when second baseman Daniel Descalso has difficulty translating thoughts to actions and bobbled a double-play grounder. Two batters later, Jorge Polanco loaded the bases, and Jason Castro followed with a walk to put the Twins on the board.

Worth noting: this is the Angel Hernandez strike zone Greinke had to deal with. Think of this what you will:

After the Diamondbacks made their second mound visit of the night, Brian Dozier hustled out an infield single to make it 2-0, and Max Kepler snuck one into right field to make it a 4-0 game. Joe Mauer added an RBI single, and the Twins were up 5-0.

Byron Buxton had another triple in the 5th. In the 7th inning, Miguel Sano was pulled from the DH slot due to “left lower shin soreness,” which meant that Mitch Garver would come in to make his major-league debut! He struck out swinging against J.J. Hoover, but got a very nice ovation from the fans, who clearly know their stuff.

On the other side, Jose Berrios was absolutely dealing. For brevity’s sake, I’ll read you his final line: 7 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts. It was JOB’s best start by Game Score since his 11-K game against the Rockies on May 18th. He made some very solid fielding plays, as well, snaring a comebacker and making a sliding stop-and-throw on back-to-back hitters. La Maquina retired the last 13 men he faced, and the Diamondbacks didn’t have a baserunner after the third inning!

Alan Busenitz pitched two perfect innings in relief, and the Twins shut down the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second consecutive night. It’s another series win for the Twins, and another good showing against a competitive team. A “good showing” is almost underselling it; Minnesota was firing on all cylinders today, from the pitching to the hitting to the defense. We looked like a real team.

All in all, it was a magical night at the park. Michael Cuddyer would be proud.

STUDS:

SP Jose Berrios (7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 7 K)

2B Brian Dozier (2-for-3, 2 BB, 1 RBI, 1 R)

1B Joe Mauer (3-for-3, BB, 1 RBI)

DUDS:

NO DUDS! TWINS WIN! TWINS WIN!

COMMENT OF THE GAMETHREAD:

SooFoo Fan: “We need a nickname”

less cowbell, more ‘neau: “I vote Twinkle Town”

ROBOT ROLL CALL: