Category: Dailies
Game 163: Twins vs. Tigers
It’s all come down to this.
For the second straight season, the Twins are playing in Game 163 but this year the group seems a bit looser, perhaps something that a little bit of experience will do for you.
The Twins certainly seem happy to be playing in the Dome. Sure, the home field advantage is great but it was also 46 degrees and pouring rain when I arrived at the Metrodome today. Next year, the club won’t have the roof to their advantage anymore.
Here are a few interesting facts from the Twins game notes today:
— Since the All-Star Break, the Twins are 41-32 while the Tigers have gone 38-37. The Twins have outscored the Tigers over that time (379 runs to 320), but Detroit has the advantage in ERA (4.53) compared to the Twins (4.71).
— Joe Mauer leads the AL batting race by 14 points going into his final day. Mauer’s average is sitting at .364 while Ichiro finished the season at .352. Mauer will join a select group of players who have won three-or-more AL batting titles including Nap Lajoie, Ty Cobb, Harry Heilmann, Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, George Brett, and Wade Boggs.
UPDATE: The turf in right field is doing OK, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. There are often a few soft spots following a football game due to the bleachers being unrolled out in right field. But Jason Kubel said it wasn’t anything that he couldn’t handle.
There were quite a few Twins players in attendance for Monday night’s Vikings-Packers at the Metrodome. Among those who watched the game from field level were Denard Span, Joe Nathan, Nick Punto, Delmon Young, Jesse Crain and Carl Pavano. The group received a huge ovation from the crowd when they were shown on the jumbotron and Nathan said they couldn’t walk up and down the aisles without getting plenty of high-fives from fans.
As for Gardenhire, he watched the game at home. He had plenty of interest, not just because he’s been a long-time Brett Favre fan.
“I had a lot of fantasy players playing, and I lost,” Gardenhire said.
So what did he think about Favre’s performance.
“He was my fantasy quarterback,” Gardenhire said. “He just didn’t give it to Adrian enough for me.”
Tigers (86-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Curtis Granderson, CF
Placido Polanco, 2B
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Carlos Guillen, DH
Ryan Raburn, LF
Brandon Inge, 3B
Gerald Laird, C
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.04)
Twins (86-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (15-9, 4.36)
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Down to the Final game: Twins vs. Royals 10/4
For the third time in four years, the Twins division hopes will come down to the final game of the season. And with the Twins and Tigers tied atop the AL Central, the Twins hold their own fate. If they win, there will be at least one more game in the Metrodome — either a tiebreaker or Game 3 of the ALDS.
Since it’s the final regular season game at the Metrodome (well at least on the 162 game schedule), the Twins will host an hour-long ceremony after today’s game ends to celebrate the 28 years here. It’s going to be interesting to see how that will go since it will take place win or lose.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he didn’t watch the Tigers 4-1 loss to the White Sox last night. He was in his hot tub with his wife, Carol, while his daughter Tiffany was watching the game inside. Carol had been checking the scores a little on her cell phone, but Tiffany came outside to give updates as well. It created a funny moment when Tiffany informed them, ‘It’s tied,” and Carol concerningly said, “They tied it up?”
“No,” Tiffany said. “You’re tied.”
Gardenhire just shook his head retelling the story, ‘Entertainment,’ he said.
The Twins skipper was just happy to come into Sunday knowing that a win means his club’s season will be extended at least one game.
“From where we’ve been it’s actually nice to have it come down to one
ballgame,” Gardenhire said. “We’ve been chasing the whole time. The last day of the
season and we’re deadlocked again. Now we know what we have to do, we
have to win. But we’ve known that for three weeks — that we have to win.
It hasn’t changed on our side of it. But at least we’re dead even.”
Justin Verlander is pitching for the Tigers today. So the Twins enter the contest feeling like they need a win to force a one-game tiebreaker on Tuesday at the Dome. If that game takes place, it will be Scott Baker for the Twins pitching against the Tigers’ rookie Rick Porcello.
Royals (65-95)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Mike Jacobs, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
John Buck, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Luis Hernandez, SS
Pitching: RHP Luke Hochevar (7-12, 6.24)
Twins (84-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (13-12, 5.07)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Raise the Curtain: Twins vs. Royals 10/3
The Twins face another must-win situation on Saturday and the task is less than enviable as they take on Royals ace and AL Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke.
While the Twins lost to Greinke last Sunday, they had chances in the contest and after scoring 10 runs on Friday night the club is hopeful that they can find a way to get the ace today. Of course, it is National TV today and a chance for Greinke to show voters that he indeed does deserve the award.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that the entire bullpen is available today, despite last night’s game where nearly everyone had to be used to get through the win.
Brian Duensing is available out of the bullpen again today. If the Twins need someone early to help out starter Nick Blackburn, who is pitching on three days rest, Duensing would be the first one to go. If the Twins are still one game back on Sunday, Carl Pavano will get the start on short rest instead of Duensing — or if the Twins have to use Duensing today then Pavano could also get the nod.
While Gardenhire said that Joe Mauer was exhausted after last night’s game, the catcher was behind the plate again today. Just shows you that it’s pennant chase baseball and everyone can bounce back at this time of year.
Also, the curtain has been raised today as the Twins expect a nearly packed house for the second to last game at the Metrodome. Should be plenty of excitement as the Twins try to put pressure on the Tigers before their game with the White Sox later tonight.
Royals (65-95)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Mike Jacobs, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
Miguel Olivo, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Luis Hernandez, SS
Pitching: RHP Zack Greinke (16-8, 2.06)
Twins (84-76)
2nd place in AL Central, 1 game back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.08)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Final days of the Dome: Twins vs. Royals 10/2
The Twins are expecting a crowd of around 50,000 for the first of the three final contests at the Metrodome. With the Twins still in a pennant chase and needing a win tonight, it should make for a great environment at the ballpark.
As for news, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Brian Duensing is available out of the bullpen
tonight if needed. If Duensing does pitch, Carl Pavano would probably start
on Sunday.
“We’ve got to win three games,” Gardenhire said. “That’s’ what we’re gonna try to do.”
Royals (65-94)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Brayan Pena, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
Miguel Olivo, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Pitching: LHP Lenny DiNardo (0-2, 7.52)
Twins (83-76)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Jeff Manship (0-1, 5.81)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Game 4: Twins at Tigers 10/1
The Twins need to win today to stave off elimination and keep at least a slight glimmer of hope heading home into the final weekend at the Metrodome.
Twins (82-76)
2nd place in AL Central, 3 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, 3B
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (14-9, 4.48)
Tigers (85-73)
1st place in AL Central
Curtis Granderson, CF
Ramon Santiago, 2B
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Carlos Guillen, LF
Marcus Thames, DH
Brandon Inge, 3B
Gerald Laird, C
Adam Everett, SS
Pitching: LHP Nate Robertson (2-2, 5.56)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Game 3: Twins at Tigers 9/30
Twins (82-75)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (11=3-11, 4.86)
Tigers (84-73)
1st place in AL Central
Curtis Granderson, CF
Placido Polanco, 2B
Clete Thomas, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Magglio Ordonez, DH
Carlos Guillen, LF
Brandon Inge, 3B
Alex Avila, C
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Eddie Bonine (0-1, 4.60)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
More Thoughts on Game 1
Wow, that was a game. I thought game No. 163 last year might rank near the top of memorable games I’ve covered but I think this one tops it. Sorry I didn’t get to post more on the blog right after but I was working on trying to get the full game story up on the site.
Now here are some additional nuggets that I didn’t get in the game story…
- Blackburn was very good but he really turned things around after the third inning. Although he allowed a leadoff hit in the fourth, he then retired 12 straight batters to finish his outing. Blackburn credited the change to making a mechanical adjustment that pitching coach Rick Anderson pointed out to him.
“Once we got those line out, hitters starting battling themselves,” Blackburn said. “In a way, kind of getting themselves out, taking defensive swings and not sure of what was coming. For the most part, they kept hitting the ball at people.”
- Gardenhire acknowledged that his decision to leave left-hander Jose Mijares in to face Miguel Cabrera in the 8th inning was a little strange. Aftrer Mijares got Cabrera to fly out, Gardenhire then brought out right-hander Jon Rauch to face pinch-hitter Marcus Thames..
“We must look like whackos here — let our lefty face Cabrera,” Gardenhire said. “But he was 0-for-3 off Mijares…I know it looked whacky. I felt whacky doing it.”
- In addition to Span’ s stellar catch in the ninth, Gomez made an equally impressive running snag in center on Placido Polanco’s ball in the 10th. One that most outfielders might not make.
Afterward, Gomez was asked about the catch. “Pretty good, eh?” he said with a smile.
Gomez also got at an-bat in the 10th after replacing Jason Kubel as a pinch-runner in the eighth. Gardenhire had him bunt with runners on first and second with no outs.
“I hit fourth in the lineup, and I have to bunt. Unbelievable,” Gomez
said, clearly having fun after the Twins win. “Come on,
man. That’s the 4-hole. They walk Mauer and pitch to Gomez.”
Game 1: Twins at Tigers 9/29
Everyone is back at Comerica Park and ready to try this again. It’s been relatively dry this morning and the hope is that it stays that way long enough to get in both games.
The Twins lineup is exactly the same as Monday night. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he arrived at the ballpark and just hit print again on his computer.
The only change for the Tigers was that they had Magglio Ordonez in right field when the
lineup was posted Monday, but now Clete Thomas is in right field. The guess is it’s because Ordonez will likely only play one game today.
Twins (81-74)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.18)
Tigers (83-72)
1st place in AL Central
Curtis Granderson, CF
Placido Polanco, 2B
Clete Thomas, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Aubrey Huff, DH
Carlos Guillen, LF
Gerald Laird, C
Brandon Inge, 3B
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.14)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Windy and Wet: Twins at Tigers 9/28
It’s been raining off and on throughout the day in Detroit and the forecast sounds like that could continue throughout the night. The hope is just that it’s light enough for the game to be completed.
Right now it’s close to 6:00 ET, crews have the tarp half off and are working on the mound. I guess that’s a good sign. Of course, even if the rain lets up there is going to be plenty of wind so both starters — Rick Porcello and Nick Blackburn — will try to have their sinkers working tonight.
One big thing to note today is that FS North has decided to pick up Thursday’s contest so all four of the Twins-Tigers games will be broadcast locally in the Twin Cities. For those of you watching nationally, MLB Network is televising tonight, Tuesday and Thursday. ESPN will have Wednesday’s contest.
Twins (80-74)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.18)
Tigers (83-72)
1st place in AL Central
Curtis Granderson, CF
Placido Polanco, 2B
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Aubrey Huff, DH
Carlos Guillen, LF
Gerald Laird, C
Brandon Inge, 3B
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.14)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Twins’ Challenge — Beat Greinke 9/27
The Twins aren’t in danger today of looking ahead to their four-game series with the Tigers. That’s because they have a big enough challenge on their hands in trying to find a way to beat Royals ace and Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke.
It will mark the first time that the Twins have seen Greinke this season. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire didn’t try to make any alterations to his lineup just to find a way to beat Greinke, after all his club has outscored their opponents 80-40 over their last 12 games as they’ve gone 11-1. AndGardenhire pointed out that his team has stepped against big game pitchers already this season.
“Listen, we beat [Roy] Halladay in Toronto,” Gardenhire
said referring to the Twins win on Sept. 9. “He’s as good as they get. You’ve gotta beat the good ones. If
you get to the playoffs, you’re going to face really good ones. So it’s
a nice little run for you against a very good pitcher, but we’re not
going to try to get too innovative here and start screwing with a
lineup that’s been working.”
Twins (80-73)
2nd place in AL Central, 2 games back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, DH
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, C
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano (5-12, 5.75)
Royals (63-92)
5th place in AL Central, 20.5 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Brayan Pena, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Miguel Olivo, C
Mark Teahen, RF
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Luis Hernandez, 2B
Pitching: RHP Zack Greinke (15-8, 2.08)
A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier
Kelly's Corner 