Early lead gets away when pitching fails

Last update: March 24, 2007 - 8:14 PM

FORT MYERS, FLA. - With Torii Hunter and Justin Morneau igniting the offense Saturday, the Twins jumped to a two-run lead on Pittsburgh Pirates starter Ian Snell before Carlos Silva imploded in a 13-7 loss at Hammond Stadium.

Luis Castillo walked and Torii Hunter doubled, leading to a first-inning run.

Then, after Brad Eldred's homer gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead, the Twins struck for three runs in the third.

Hunter and Michael Cuddyer singled, and then Justin Morneau lined a two-run double into the left-center gap, giving Morneau a team-high 12 RBI. Jason Kubel also legged out a run-scoring infield hit.

But Silva took a 4-2 lead to the mound for the fourth, and by the time the inning was over, Pittsburgh led 10-4.

"I'm in Forrest Gump mode," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Life's a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get."

JOE CHRISTENSEN