The Twins played their 4th 1-run game of the young season, this time barely coming out on top against the Kansas City Royals. The loss was the first of the season for Kansas City, who had opened their season with a 3-game sweep of Detroit.

Scott Baker's night started out a bit rough, but after allowing 3 runs in the first two innings, he settled in nicely to complete 6 2/3 innings without any more runs allowed. Pat Neshek was able to fill the gap nicely until they got to Joe Nathan for the save in the ninth.

Justin Morneau got his first hit of the season. The single drove in Joe Mauer to tie the game at 3, however, Michael Cuddyer dislocated and lacerated the index finger on his throwing hand while sliding into third on the play. He's been placed on the 15-day DL and Denard Span has been called up to fill the void on the roster.

The final, and winning run of the game came in the fourth inning. With Mike Lamb on third and one out, the squeeze play was called with Adam Everett at the plate. Everett laid down a decent bunt and Lamb came across the plate. The situation was a good one for the squeeze play, with the light hitting Everett at the plate.

No runs were scored after the fourth inning.

Game Notes

• Jason Kubel replaced Cuddyer in RF after the injury. He drew a walk and struck out in his only 2 at-bats.
• Craig Monroe was 0-4 with 3 K's as the DH. I'm convinced that he's not going to last in the platoon role as DH. Kubel should be given the full-time job, and if Monroe doesn't snap out of his funk, it won't be much longer. Monroe is hitless in 9 at-bats this season with 5 strikeouts.
• Carlos Gomez continues to impress. He was 3-5 in the game with 2 stolen bases. He's batting .450 through the first five games.
• Mauer was 2-4 with the first RBI of the game.
• Joe Nathan recorded his 2nd save of the year.

Looking ahead

Both team's number one starters face off against eachother at 1:10pm on Saturday. Both Livan Hernandez and Gil Meche were strong in their first outings of the season.