Baker Wins One Impressively

We played the Rockies tonight. After losing three straight, I suppose Mr. Baker decided it was time to come out and pitch. And boy did he. He struck out 12 batters. The folks keeping the strikeout count out in center field ran out of spaces.

But I was a terribly worried that despite the great pitching, he might not get the win. While the Rockies pitcher didn't do much striking out, he somehow managed to hold us to two runs. My man Span had a tough night, but I noted that another fan was sitting right in front of me so that should make him feel good about Section 320. Two runs turned out to be enough. Matt Guerrier came in for short-relief and didn't do so hot. He left the game with men on base leaving it to Mijares to get the outs. Unfortunately a wild pitch and a bobble by Millionaire Joe let a run in before the inning was over. That was all they got before Rauch came in and closed them down. We won 2-1.

Speaking of Rauch. Target Field has a new video they play when Rauch comes in to pitch. It plays up the tattoos and plays tough guy music. I'd be scared.

On another side note, I couldn't help but notice that a few people were a bit distracted during the game. It was an exciting game given all the strikeouts and the closeness of the score, so not sure what the problem was. Apparently a few kids thought the video version of baseball was better than the real thing. What's the world coming to?

Liriano Outlasts Brave's Hudson as Twins win 2-1

There were two things to celebrate this morning.  One, the Twins were victorious against the Atlanta Braves last night and two, I got to the computer before my darling daughter.

Despite rain in the forecast for the entire weekend, it somehow stayed nice and dry last night.  I was particularly happy about that because my brother, sister-in-law and their friends had flown from Louisville to see the Twins play in their new ballpark.  Since they were in very nice seats (Section 4) they were destined to get wet if it rained.   We were safe in our usual Section 320 with overhang location.  But there were no raindrops anywhere.

Frankie had SOME outing.  When he gave up a run early in the game I worried that he might not have his best stuff.  But he was nasty.  He was in control.  He was filthy.  He was in control of some filthy, nasty stuff.   Kept striking those Braves out over and over.   Eleven times in total and seven straight.  The only problem?   His teammates were not hitting the ball and giving him the run support he needed.  

Finally the big guys took control.  Mauer, Morney, Cuddy loaded the bases then Kube drove in the tying run.  Only disappointment was a strikeout by Mr. Incredible, Jim Thome.  Then Delmon, who's been hotter than a Yellowstone geyser lately, drove in what became the winning run.   Section 320 roared to life that inning.

The Atlanta team fought gallantly against Liriano but while a head first dive into first base resulted in a baserunner, nothing came behind to drive a run in to score.   Strike outs and great catches by my man D-Span ruled the day.    Cuddy was also up to his old trick of missing a fly ball for a single, but then throwing the runner, who thought Cuddy would dog it,  out at second.  Not our guy!

It was a golden night so we capped it off with a photo of our group celebrating in the golden glove.