Just about everything went right for the Twins on Tuesday night against the Oakland Athletics...until the 9th inning. The Twins scored 10 runs and Scott Baker had allowed just 2 hits and 0 walks through 8 innings. He came back out for the 9th inning, and things fell apart.

Baker loaded the bases with 2 hits and a walk with no outs. Jesse Crain was called upon to relieve him. Crain allowed a hit and a walk, then an Alexi Casilla error allowed another run to score. Crain wasn't able to retire a batter before Jose Mijares had to be called upon. Mijares struck out Jason Giambi, but then walked the next two batters.

The Twins finally had to call upon Joe Nathan, in an inning they once led by 10 runs, to close out the game. With the tying run on deck, it had become a save situation. Joe Nathan didn't mess around--he struck out the first two batters he faced to end the game.

Game Notes

• Crain's disaster of a season continues on. He now has a 7.79 ERA through 17 1/3 innings.
• Justin Morneau had a big game. He was 4-5 with his 16th home run and 2 RBI.
• Jason Kubel hit his 8th home run--a 3-run shot in the 7th inning
• Joe Mauer hasn't hit a home run since June 2nd, but the hits keep on coming. He had 2 singles and a walk in this game. His batting average sits at a comfortable .415. His on-base percentage is .500.
• Delmon Young drove in 3 runs on 2 hits and got his first extra-base hit since April 22nd!
• Denard Span left the game with dizziness, which is the second time this year he's had similar issues. Carlos Gomez replaced him and had a big 2-run double. Span will head to Minnesota to see a specialist.

Draft Notes

The Twins drafted 4 college pitchers on the first day of the draft. First, was right-hander Kyle Gibson from Missouri. Aaron Gleeman has a complete rundown.