On a rare night of great pitching, the Twins still couldn't come up with a win. Last weekend I was starting to think the Twins might have turned a corner, but they now find themselves in another 4 game slide and it's becoming crystal clear that this team simply can't contend with Chicago and Detroit. In one week two fifths of our rotation has changed and 1/3 of our lineup should change as well.

Today Santana pitched another gem that was tarnished by an 8th inning Tiger homerun and an inept offense. Vance Wilson's 2-run homer in the 8th supplied all the runs in this game. Subtract that and the walk to Shelton before it, and Santana gave up only 3 other hits in the game and struck out a season hight 12 batters. It was also the first complete game for a Twins pitcher this season.

Detroit starter Justin Verlander scattered 7 hits over 8 innings of work and recorded no walks and no strikeouts, something you don't see everyday.

Game Notes

• Rondell White's 11 game hitting streak came to an end, but he did finally draw an unintentional walk in the 9th inning.
• Tony Batista ended the game with 2 runners on base. He was 0-for-4, leaving us all wondering how much longer we must suffer with him.
• Shannon Stewart doubled in the 3rd for his only hit of the game.

Looking Ahead

Radke will try to avoid a sweep Thursday before the Twins pack up and head to Milwaukee for a weekend interleague series that will feature 3 rookie pitchers for the Twins (Liriano, Baker, Bonser). Boof Bonser will be making his major league debut in place of the recently demoted Kyle Lohse.