Game 56: Minnesota one run better the Oakland
Minnesota @ Oakland (Game 2 of 3)
Summary
The line up was not very familiar, but the game felt like a repeat of the previous night game.
For the second night in a row, the Twins let a small lead get away from them in the late innings. This time the Twins were able to score the winning run in the 9th to hold on to another one run lead, winning the game 4-3.
Batting
Justin Morneau was scratched from the line up because of illness and JJ Hardy took himself out of the line up before the game because of a sore wrist. With Michael Cuddyer and Orlando Hudson gone the line up would not have the same punch.
Delmon Young was 1-for-3 on the night with 3 RBI’s. Jim Thome was 1-for-2 on the night and scored 2 runs.
The biggest hit of the game came from Matt Tolbert who hit a clutch single to score JJ Hardy in the 9th.
Pitching
Francisco Liriano pitched for 7.0 quality innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits striking out 10 and walking 2. Liriano should have gotten another win, but the bullpen was unable to keep the lead with Jesse Crain giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 0.2 innings.
Alex Burnett came in to finish the 8th inning for Crain and picked up the win after only pitching 0.1 innings.
Jon Rauch had yet another exciting close, giving up one run before finishing the 9th inning with 2K’s.
Notes
Morneau was ill, but did come in to pinch hit in the 9th inning and was walked. Morneau was then replaced on the bases with JJ Hardy who ended up scoring the winning run. The Twins infield looked odd with Harris at 1B, Tolbert at 2B, Danny Valencia at 3B and Nick Punto at SS.
Minnesota will likely have to make a roster move after tomorrow nights game when Cuddyer comes off bereavement leave. Orlando Hudson is expected to be placed on the 15 day DL with his hand injury and JJ Hardy is still struggling with his wrist injury.
Minnesota improved to 33-23 while Oakland drops to 29-27.
Attendance
16,421 (The Coliseum)
