Scott Baker shut down the Los Angeles Angels Sunday night over seven shutout innings, leading the Twins to a 4-0 victory to help his team take two of three for the series win. The righty gave up five hits with a walk and struck out three, allowing no one past first base. Domination!
Danny Valencia put the Twins on the board when he kicked off the fifth inning with a solo shot off Jered Weaver. Two outs later, Orlando Hudson tripled before Joe Mauer and Jason Kubel walked to load the bases. In comes Michael Cuddyer, who proceeded to foul off five straight pitches before nailing a bases-clearing double. Unfortunately, he was tagged out in a rundown to end the inning, but it was a nice distraction to let that final run score... which may have scored either way.
Nick Blackburn was recalled on Saturday and is scheduled to start against Rich Harden and the Texas Rangers in Arlington at 7:05pm Monday night in place of Kevin Slowey, who has landed on the disabled list with a strained right triceps. Bummer. Ron Mahay also hurt himself Saturday in the sixth, when he awkwardly stumbled off the mound and fell down. Now he's on the DL also. Get well soon, guys! Seriously.
After you enjoy these links, I'd love some predictions on the Rangers series.
- Don't be this guy. [Youtube]
- Good news: Vin Scully isn't done yet. [Sports Then and Now]
- The Pirates: a shady business. [Biz of Baseball]
- Yet another super incredible catch. [Big League Stew]
And in honor of Lou Piniella's last day in a baseball uniform.
A friendly reminder: you're all invited to come watch the Twins play the Seattle Mariners with me, Seth Stohs, and John Bonnes from TwinsCentric at Howie's Sports Bar & Grill in St. Cloud, MN for a Viewing Party on August 28 at 2:30pm. We'll have drink and appetizer specials along with awesome Twins raffle prizes. For more information on the event, check out the Facebook page, or email me for more details. It's gonna be a blast.
