The Twins offense exploded for a combined 32 runs in the two games in Chicago on Friday. That one day accounts for nearly 7.5% of the Twins' runs scored so far through 86 games. Things were going so well that even Nick Punto had 3 hits on the day.

The first game of the day didn't have much for pitching from either side. Scott Baker allowed 7 runs and failed to pitch past the fifth inning. Ramon Ortiz allowed 3 runs in 2 innings of relief and Carmen Cali gave up his first 4 runs of the season after being recalled after the game on Thursday. It was a good day to get 20 runs of support.

The second game was completely one-sided. The Twins scored 3 runs in the first inning on a 3-run home run from Justin Morneau. That would be just the first of the Morneau's 3 in the game and of the Twins' 6. All but one of the Twins' 12 runs in the game were scored with home runs.

Matt Garza pitched a solid 6 scoreless innings. He could've done without the 3 walks and it would've been nice to see him go 7 innings, but for the most part it was a very good start. Garza was also forced to bat after Ron Gardenhire's worst nightmare was realized in the first inning. Mike Redmond started as the catcher and Joe Mauer was the DH. Jim Thome was incapable of holding onto his bat. He first sent it flying to the backstop and on his next swing and miss he sent it flying into Redmond's head. Redmond left to get 7 stitches and Mauer had to slide behind the plate meaning the Twins would lose their DH for the remainder of the game.

Some milestones

• It was the first time since 1989 that a pitcher batted in an American League game.
• Justin Morneau became the first Twin to hit 3 home runs in a game since Tony Oliva in 1973.

Game Notes (first game)

• Mauer had 3 hits and 5 RBIs in the game
• Jason Kubel hit a grand slam and had a total of 7 RBIs, an obvious career high.
• Torii Hunter had 3 hits including his 18th home run of the year.
• Justin Morneau had 3 hits and drove in 3 runs
• Poor Michael Cuddyer was 0-6 in the game despite hitting the ball hard just about every time.

Game Notes (second game)

• Morneau hit 3 home runs and drove in 6 runs. He came into Friday batting .283 with 20 HR and 63 RBIs. Friday ended with him batting .293 with 23 HR and 72 RBIs.
• Cuddyer had 2 hits in the game including a fifth inning solo homerun.
• Torii Hunter hit his 19th home run of the season in the 3rd inning.
• Matt Garza picked up his first win of the season since being called up earlier in the week.