Game 51: Minnesota holds off Seattle
Minnesota @ Seattle (Game 1 of 4)
Summary
Minnesota bent, but didn’t break. After going up 5-1 in the top of the 4th, the Twins allowed the Mariners to cut into the lead with two runs in the bottom of the 5th inning.
Minnesota looked good until the bottom of the 9th when Jon Rauch gave up one run on two hits. Rauch was able to retire the fifth batter in the 9th for the Twins win.
Batting
Justin Morneau was the hot bat, going 3-for-4 with 1 run and 2 doubles on the night.
Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young both had 2-for-4 nights each with a home run. Cuddyer scored two runs with 2 RBI’s and Delmon scored once and also contributed 2 RBI’s.
Pitching
Francisco Liriano looked sharp going 6.0 innings giving up 3 runs on 8 hits. Liriano had 7 K’s and did not walk a batter in the 99 pitch performance.
Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain each donated an inning of work and picked up 1 K each.
Jon Rauch came in to the game in the 9th and recorded his 13th save, only after giving up 2 hits and 1 run.
Notes
Minnesota will need another strong performance tomorrow as they will get two of the leagues best pitchers on Wednesday and Thursday.
Minnesota improves to 31-20 while Seattle drops to 19-31.
Attendance
19,795 (Safeco Field)
