Twins postgame thoughts on quality at bats, Sano and Bucknor

Here are three thoughts following the Twins' 6-4 win over Kansas City

THEY KNOW HOW TO GRIND: It looks like it's going to be a trait of this team. Ian Kennedy held the Twins to two runs on two hits, which is not shabby at all. But he had to leave with one out in the sixth because the Twins forced him to throw 110 pitches during that period. They drew three walks, but worked other counts well. I did not see this coming. The quality of at bats has improved, with Miguel Sano leading the way. The deeper stats show that he's chasing few bad pitches and making contact in the strike zone more often.

SANO, THE BREAKOUT SEASON: It was Sano's foul ball that clobbered C.B. Bucknor in the eighth inning and forced him from the game. The delay was about six minutes, but Sano stood by the heater while Fieldin Culbreth slipped into his gear to replace Bucknor. Joakim Soria's next pitch was that slow breaking ball that he likes to throw. Sano was ready for it and nearly had a grand slam. It ended up being a two-run double. Sano said he was looking for a fastball but was able to adjust to the breaking ball. "I stayed hot, I stretched a lot," Sano said. "When they call me up he threw a nice little breaking ball, hanging it. I made contact." Sano entered Friday leading the AL in walks. With his four RBI tonight, he's one behind Albert Pujols for the AL lead.

UPDATE ON BUCKNOR: Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor passed initial concussion protocol after leaving the game. But he's going to be examined again Saturday. He took one serious blow to the mask. Hope he's O.K.