The Twins' first-inning problems, acute in May, have improved, though they still have allowed more first-inning runs (and been outscored by 34 runs) than any other team. But Toronto's problems in the second inning have been worse. Entering the weekend, here are the leaders for most total runs allowed in an inning:
RunsTeamInning
97Blue JaysSecond
84AstrosFourth
82TwinsFirst
78AstrosEighth
76GiantsThird
76OriolesSixth
The Giants' fall to last place, entering the weekend, puts them in danger of joining the 1998 Marlins as the only defending World Series champion to finish in the basement. They also need to rally in order to avoid becoming the 15th world champ to finish with a losing record the following year. The past five:
YearTeamFinishRecord
2003Angels3rd77-85
1998Marlins5th54-108
1994Blue Jays3rd55-60
1991Reds5th74-88
1989Dodgers4th77-83
Source: beyondtheboxscore.com
The two-time All-Star reliever collected 117 saves over 13 seasons, the first six of which were with the Twins.
