twin062007

Twins: Ace has a hit, few misses

Johan Santana enjoyed a super night at Shea, and that means a head shaving for Bert Blyleven.

Last update: June 21, 2007 - 12:55 AM

NEW YORK - The challenge Bert Blyleven made to Johan Santana went something like this: Pitch a shutout, and I'll get my head shaved.

Oh, those silly TV analysts.

Viewers can expect a new hairstyle from the Twins color man tonight, after Santana went the distance Tuesday night in a 9-0 victory over the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

"Believe me, it's going to happen," Santana said after his four-hitter. "I think he's trying to hide right now, but I definitely will look for him [today], and hopefully by game time, he will be bald."

Blyleven, whose 60 career shutouts rank ninth on baseball's career list, plans to make good on his promise today before batting practice. Fox Sports Net will show it during tonight's pregame show.

But Santana's fourth career shutout -- and first since Aug. 12, 2005, at Oakland -- won't just be remembered for the soon-to-be missing hair.

Two of Santana's recent staples were also missing: strikeouts and a high pitch count.

After scoring only three runs combined while Santana (7-6) was in the game during his previous three starts, the Twins scored five in the second inning against Jorge Sosa (6-3).

"Right there, [Santana] could relax and not try to be perfect on every pitch," Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said.

Santana soon ditched the do-it-yourself mind-set that has made him the American League strikeout king for three years running. The Mets were extremely aggressive, and with a big lead, Santana felt confident to just let them hit it.

"I'll tell you what, he had some luck on his side because they were smoking some balls," Twins third baseman Jeff Cirillo said.

The Mets lined into several outs and hit several more to the deep reaches of Shea's outfield.

For the first time in 115 starts, Santana finished with only one strikeout. And that didn't come until Paul Lo Duca flailed at a changeup in the ninth.

Santana had struck out two or more batters in every start since he fanned one in a four-inning, 62-pitch start on April 6, 2004.

"I wasn't even trying to strike anybody out," he said. "I'll trade my strikeouts for all those kind of outs right there. It's quicker and much easier because you don't have to throw that many pitches."

Santana needed only 92 pitches to finish the sixth complete game of his career.

Good thing he conserved energy because he had the rare chance to hit in a National League ballpark. Santana drew his first career walk (second inning) and first career extra-base hit (a fifth-inning double) among his five plate appearances. None of that interrupted his mastery on the mound.

"Once we got a lead, you saw what he can do," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

It's unclear if Santana will administer Blyleven's head shaving. Ramon Ortiz is the team barber. But after showing off his pitching and hitting prowess, Santana probably won't mind giving it a try.

Joe Christensen • jchristensen@startribune.com

Comment on this story | Read all 0 comments | Hide reader comments

Tour Target Field

Minnesota Twins President David St. Peter gives a walking tour of Target Field.

Twins players swap jerseys for aprons

Minnesota Twins players worked as waiters Sunday night to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club.

Animation of the ballpark construction process

Animation created by Mortenson Construction showing the process of building the new Twins stadium.

Time lapse of Twins stadium

On June 26, the Twins released a one-minute time lapse movie of how the construction has progressed over the past year.

Snow doesn't dampen opening day spirit

Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.

Twins video player card: Mike Redmond

Twins catcher Mike Redmond talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Final of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Boof Bonser

Twins pitcher Boof Bonser talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Eighth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Nick Punto

Twins infielder Nick Punto talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Sixth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Justin Morneau

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fifth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Brendan Harris

Twins second baseman Brendan Harris talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fourth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Adam Everett

Twins shortstop Adam Everett talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Third of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Mike Lamb

Twins third baseman Mike Lamb talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Second of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Twins video player card: Joe Mauer

Twins catcher Joe Mauer talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. First of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.

Training camp: The battle for second base

Twins coach Ron Gardenhire is looking for Nick Punto to improve offensively and for Brendan Harris to be patient at the plate, but the competition for second base is close.

5-7-5: Twins are poets, don't 'cha know it?

Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.

Cuddyer is ready to lead the Twins

Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.

Who's going to make Twins roster?

Baseball writers La Velle E. Neal III and Joe Christensen think Wednesday's lineup against Boston features the A-listers or as close as it can be given the tough competition.