Game 53: Extra inning controversy
Minnesota @ Seattle (Game 3 of 4)
Summary
A day filled with umpire controversy did not escape the Twins. While Jim Joyce might have robbed Major League Baseball of the 21st “Perfect Game” in history and mind you the third one of 2010, the officials in Seattle were only slightly as bad.
Not that the Twins did not have their chances to win the game. Withe the game tied in the top of the 9th inning, Joe Mauer took third base with only one out. The Twins were unable to score Mauer after Michael Cuddyer lined out and Jason Kubel flew out to end the inning.
The Twins would end up losing the game on a blown call at second base. With runners at first and third, Ichiro Suzuki hit a grounder to the right of the 2nd base bag. A diving Matt Tolbert stopped the ball and shuffled it to JJ Hardy who was covering the bag. The ball arrived at the bag a good half step before the runner’s slide, but the umpire called the runner safe.
Hardy then tried to throw home, but the runner was already safe and the Twins lost 1-2.
Batting
Michael Cuddyer was 2-for-4 and had the Twins only run of the game. Cuddyer hit a home run in the top of the 7th inning to tie the ball game. It was nice to see Cuddyer have a good night at the plate as it was announced that he was leaving the team to attend the funeral of his father-in-law.
The Twins only managed 5 hits in the game with Justin Morneau adding a double, and both Joe Mauer and Matt Tolbert hitting singles.
Pitching
Kevin Slowey pitched a good game for the Twins, giving them 7.0 quality innings. Slowey allowed only 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. Slowey keeps his record of 6-3.
Notes
Having faced Cliff Lee, the Twins had their chances to win the game. The Twins were 0-5 this game with RISP and the bats continue to be fairly quiet on the road.
Minnesota fell to 31-22 while Seattle improved to 21-31.
Attendance
20,414 (Safeco Field)
