Game 25: Liriano once again dominates
Minnesota @ Cleveland (Game 3 of 3)
Summary
Francisco Liriano took a hit from the first batter in the calf and then threw the ball into right field to allow the runner to advance to third base in the bottom of the 1st inning. Cleveland scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st to quickly end Liriano’s streak of 23 shout-out innings pitched.
That would be a spark to ignite his competitive spirit. Liriano ended up pitching another jewel and the Twins bats exploded on the Indians pitching.
Pitching
Liriano went 7 complete innings throwing in the mid 90′s mph range with over 100 pitches. He ended the night with 123 pitches for 3 runs on 8 hits with 3 BB and 9 SO.
The performance helped move Liriano to 4-0 and an ERA of 1.5 and within the top 10 of about every pitching stat kept for starting pitchers in the American League.
Batting
It was almost like a night of batting practice for everyone in the line up with the exception of Michael Cuddyer. Orlando Hudson hit a two run shot (2) to start the game in the first inning.
With two outs Jim Thome added another solo home run (5) in the top of the 5th to put the Twins up by one. Delmon Young was the next batter and he added another home run (3) to put the Twins up by after 4 1/2 innings.
Orlando Hudson had another big night going 3-for-6 with 1 run and 2 RBI’s, but the best performance of the night went to Wilson Ramos. The youngster went 4-for-5 and scoring once in his very first Major League Appearance.
Michael Cuddyer went 0-for-6 last night. The team leader in hits and RBI’s was unable to get his bat going while everyone else was successful.
Notes
The Twins had 20 hits against the Tribe but again struggled to score runs with the bases loaded. The story of the night was Francisco Liriano and Wilson Ramos.
Liriano had another great outing, with his fastball and slider both crisp well into the game and past the 100 pitch mark.
Ramos was good behind the plate and even better with a bat in hand. The young Venezuelan became the first Twin to belt out four hits in his major league debut since Kirby Puckett on May 8, 1984. That is some great company.
The win marks another series won and moves the Twins to 16-9 and still a 1/2 game ahead of the Detroit Tigers.
Attendance
12,619 (Progressive Field)
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