DETROIT -- The Twins just went 2-1 at Comerica Park in a span of about 30 hours, and the bullpen played a big role.
Things were looking pretty bleak when Samuel Deduno lasted just 2 1/3 innings Saturday. But Anthony Swarzak (3 2/3 innings, one run) and Luis Perdomo (two scoreless innings) kept things from getting too out of hand in that 8-0 defeat.
In Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader, Scott Diamond gave the Twins a strong seven-inning start. With a 10-2 lead, Casey Fien pitched a 1-2-3 eighth (lowering his ERA to 1.39), and Alex Burnett would have had a scoreless ninth were it not for an error by Justin Morneau. Burnett allowed two runs, both unearned.
Game 2 was the bigger test. P.J. Walters held Detroit to one run over six innings. Brian Duensing pitched two scoreless innings (giving him a 0.73 ERA in 12 1/3 innings since moving back to the bullpen).
Jared Burton dazzled in the eighth, retiring Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Delmon Young (lowering his ERA to 2.01). And Glen Perkins pitched a 1-2-3 ninth (making him 14-for-15 in save chances since replacing Matt Capps as closer).
Burton just oozes confidence.
"It was one of those nights where I was pretty locked in," he said. "All my stuff was working; it's some of the best stuff I've had all year. And that energy with that crowd going helped a little bit, too."
There's plenty of talent in the Twins bullpen. If only the team has more leads to protect.
