The Twins clinched the American League Central title late Tuesday night after their 6-4 win over the Cleveland Indians combined with a 7-2 White Sox loss in Oakland. Crazy but true, this Twins team is the first of eight to make the 2010 postseason. Waiting around to watch the Sox lose their eighth straight game was well worth it to see Joe Mauer (and everyone else) soaked in ice cold champagne.
Ron Gardenhire, who was pretty beat after winning his 800th game, said, "Those guys aren't going to let me go home. I had a posse in here telling me we're staying."
Mutiny!
And what a game it was last night. Their four-run rally in the eighth proved once again just what this team is capable of, and that it really ain't over til it's over. Then with a few fans still hanging around to experience the magic first-hand, the West Coast game's final blazed across the scoreboard, and it was on.
It appeared that the bubbly and beer was being sprayed around a bit more than it was being consumed, so the guys should be in tip-top shape later today when Carlos Carrasco meets Nick Blackburn on the hill at 12:10pm for the series finale.
Also, don't forget to check out this morning's issue of Sports Illustrated, which dons Jim Thome getting ready to mash a tater at Target Field on the cover.
And links.
- Jim Thome, making it awkward. [7th Inning Stache]
- If the Twins blogosphere was a batting order. [Twins Target]
- Your AL Central Champs. [Nick's Twins Blog]
- Best of the Gardy Era. [Twinkie Town]
- They gone! [Aaron Gleeman]
- Achieving Junior Oritz status. [Seth Speaks]
As always, feel free to email me with any comments or questions.
