Game 24: Indians come back to beat Twins
Minnesota @ Cleveland (Game 2 of 3)
Summary
The Twins were without both Nick Blackburn (originally penciled in to start) and Joe Mauer who had an injured heal from the previous night.
The Twins led most of the game after getting five good innings of pitching from Jeff Manship, but gave up two runs in the bottom of the 8th to allow the Indians to tie the game. With bases loaded and only one out in the 11th, the Twins had a chance to get some runs, but Drew Butera hit into a double play to end the top of the inning.
The next inning the Twins ended up with the bases loaded and no outs and looked to be certainly done for the evening, but thanks to a nice running catch by Delmon Young and a strike out by Crain, the Twins looked to be back in the game. But with a 1-1 count and two outs, Jesse Crain left a 96 mph 4-seam fast ball a bit to high and Asdrubal Cabrera hit a line drive to right field to win the game 5-4.
Pitching
Jeff Manship was called up yesterday to fill in for Nick Blackburn took some time to take care of a personal matter. Manship pitched six good innings, giving up only 2 runs on 5 hits. Manship recorded 6 SO and only 1 BB before leaving the game.
The bullpen was not as good, giving up 2 runs in the 8th inning to allow the Indians to tie the game. In particular Matt Guerrier had a tough night giving up 2 runs on 3 hits.
Batting
The Twins had 12 hits with Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer having half of those. Denard Span hit a three run shot (1) tonight and was 3-for-5 with the home run, 2 runs and 1 RBI.
Justin Morneau also hit a run home run (6) to put the Twins up by two in the 8th.
Notes
Again the Twins were unable to take advantage of runners in scoring position (3-8). The Twins specifically have been struggling with the bases loaded. Tonight, Drew Butera had a chance to put the Twins ahead in the 11th with the bases loaded and only one out, but he ended up hitting into a double play. Butera was drilled at home plate but held on the ball in the bottom of the 10th to keep the game alive.
Butera is really struggling at the plate though and is 1-12 (0.083).
The loss puts the Twins at 15-9 and only a half game ahead of the Tigers who are on a 4 game win streak.
Attendance
13,832 (Progressive Field)
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