The bats woke up from their slumber on Sunday night and salvaged one game in the Detroit series. Torii Hunter led the offense with 7 RBIs on 2 homers and a double. The 7 RBIs were a career best for Torii and also set an MLB season high. Torii wasn’t the only producer, however as the Twins scored 16 runs on 22 hits and 7 walks while managing to put a run on the board in every inning but the second (and the non-played bottom of the ninth).

Rookie starter Virgil Vasquez, who was called up for one spot-start in place of Jeremy Bonderman, started off his MLB career in the worst way imaginable. He allowed 4 runs in the first inning and was finally removed from the game after allowing 2 more runs in the third inning.

A not so good start by Boof Bonser was overshadowed by the high powered offense. He allowed 2 runs in the top of the 1st and then allowed another run in the second inning. In total, Boof allowed 6 hits and 3 walks through 5 innings while allowing 4 runs. The Twins bullpen shut down the Tigers the rest of the way with Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek and Joe Nathan pitching 4 scoreless innings. Nathan was obviously just getting some work in before Monday’s off day.

Who had 3 hits?

• Luis Castillo: 2 singles, 1 triple
• Michael Cuddyer: 1 single, 1 double, 1 homer (2 on)
• Justin Morneau: 3 singles
• Jason Kubel: 2 singles, 1 double

Mike Redmond had 2 hits including his first home run since 2005. It was just the twelfth homer of his 10 year career.

Game Notes

• Bonser got his first win of the season.
• Bonser made a throwing error while trying to pick off Sheffield at first. It was his second throwing error in his last two starts.
• Jason Bartlett batted in the #2 spot and had 1 hit and two walks. He scored twice and drove in a run.

We can only hope that the Twins didn’t use up all their hits and they can keep the offensive momentum going into Cleveland on Tuesday. If you missed the earlier post, you should know that Sidney Ponson is out, and a decision still has to be made on who will replace him. That pitcher would be scheduled to open up the Twins interleague play in Milwaukee on Friday.

Who will replace Ponson?

My guess for the replacement would be Scott Baker although Glen Perkins, already being at the MLB level could be an option too, though going more than 5 innings seems unlikely for him until he can get stretched out a bit more. Kevin Slowey still isn’t on the 40-man roster and it seems like the Twins still want to take things slow with him. Matt Garza has been good in AAA too, but still needs to work on his command.

Baker actually pitched today and his numbers weren’t stellar with 8 hits and 4 runs allowed in 6 innings. He did strike out 7 though and his 3.16 season ERA is respectable.