Game 42: Twins enjoy interleague series
Milwaukee @ Minnesota (Game 1 of 3)
Summary
Minnesota finally found their bat after a dismal 2-for-7 road trip. After only scoring 6 runs in the last three games, the Twins started the series with the Brewer’s by scoring 7 runs in just the bottom of the first.
The game saw the major league debut of short stop Trevor Plouffe and he was welcomed by the team and the fans. After getting a base hit on his first major league at bat, Plouffe was welcomed in later defense and offense appearance with the crowd growling ”Plouffe”.
Nick Blackburn pitched late into the game, being taken out after former Twin Carlos Gomez blasted a three run shot to the second tier in left field in the top of the 8th inning.
Batting
Four Twins had three hits on the evening. Denard Span was 3-for-6 with 3 runs and 1 RBI, Orlando Hudson was 3-for-4 with 3 runs and 2 walks. Justin Morneau was 3-for-5 with 2 runs and 3 RBI’s. Delmon Young was 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI’s.
Trevor Plouffe went 2-for-5 with 1 run and 2 RBI’s. He singled and doubled in the game and was quickly a crowd favorite.
Pitching
Nick Blackburn pitched 7.1 innings and looked good until the end. Blackburn gave up 3 runs on 7 hits striking out 2 and walking 1. The home run to Gomez brought him out of the game at the 91 pitch mark.
This is the first time Blackburn has won four games in a row and his record is now 5-1 on the season.
Jose Mijares came in relief (1.2 innings) giving up 1 hit and striking out 1.
Notes
The Twins debuted their 3rd player from Rochester and again the player was successful. This is a testimonial to the Twins organizations farm system. Luke Hughes, Wilson Ramos and now Trevor Plouffe had shown that they can be successful right away when called up.
Although Plouffe will be moved down when JJ Hardy returns, he is getting a chance to show the organization that he is capable of playing at the major league level.
The Twins move to 25-17 and will likely gain a game on Detroit who are currently trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers on the west coast 1-4 in the bottom of the 7th.
Minnesota continues the “Border Battle” tomorrow with Kevin Slowey (5-3) pitching against Milwaukee’s best pitcher so far this season Yovani Gallardo (4-2). The game has a 3:10 start at Target Field.
Attendance
38,737 (Target Field)
