1.0 GB!
Don’t look now, but the Twins are one whole game behind the Tigers after defeating Porcello, the Boy Wonder. Actually, they defeated Brandon Lyon, but that’s besides the point.
I haven’t been posting recently for two reasons:
1) I’ve been super busy
2) I don’t know how I feel about the Twins.
Yes they have been winning, but I feel like they are going to let me down at any time. It’s not because I’m a bad fan, it’s just that they aren’t supposed to be doing this well: They are missing Justin Morneau, Kubel is slumping, the rotation is a mess, Tolbert’s playing third, etc. I was waiting for the Twins to pull even or go ahead before I came out of hiding, but one game back is good enough.
This morning’s match-up was Porcello vs. Blackburn and it was a nail-biter. Both starters left with a 1 -1 tie but the Twins ended up scoring two in the top of the 10th inning after botching a suicide squeeze in the 9th (good job, Punto). Nathan came in a gave up a solo shot to Granderson but held on for the save.
Game 2 is tonight and it looks like the pitching match-up is going to be Brian Duensing vs. Justin Verlander. In my opinion, this is the most important game so far this year: if the Twins win, they are guaranteed at least a series split and make it much more likely that they take three of four. The “three of four” goal is pretty much the Twins only chance at a realistic shot at the post season. Being tied in the standings, Minnesota would just need to win more games than the Tigers to end the season. If they tie they force a one-game playoff in the Metrodome since they won the season series (no more of that ‘coin toss’ bullshit). A split means that the Tigers must lose two of three to the drowning White Sox and the Twins must win two of three in KC against the best pitcher in baseball and a streaking offense.
Hopefully the rain holds off and everyone is ready for Game Two!
Dear Tigers: Prepare to be Duensinged! GO TWINS!!!!!!!