Baker takes loss in 3-hitter Twins 0 at Tigers 1 July 1st, 2007 at 9:42 pm

By Kris Richardson

Scott Baker has replaced Carlos Silva as the pitcher that gets no run support. Baker pitched a gem his last time out, allowing just 1 run through 7 innings, but won in a close 2-1 game. On Sunday night Baker allowed his first run in the eighth inning on a Marcus Thames solo homer and went onto a 1-0 loss.

Baker didn’t allow a baserunner until Curtis Granderson led off the 4th inning with a triple. Baker came back to strike out Placido Polanco and then get Sean Casey and Magglio Ordonez to work out of the inning. Baker also worked out of a jam in the seventh when Jason Bartlett committed an error and then Ordonez singled to set up runners on first and second. Baker got a double play to end the inning.

Five the six Twins’ hits came in the first three innings, but they were unable to capitalize on them. The Twins’ only extra base hit came in the sixth when Justin Morneau got a 2-out double to the deepest part of Comerica park.

Game Notes

Baker was able to give the bullpen a complete night of rest, which is big with no off days remaining before the All-Star break for the Twins.
Nick Punto’s funk at the plate continued. He was 0-9 in the series and doesn’t have a hit in the last 4 games. His average is down to .207 on the season, however he has worked a walk in each of the last 4 games.

A 2-1 series victory can never be considered a non-success, but the fact that a great start by Baker turned into a loss definitely created a sour ending on the weekend.

Cleveland completed the sweep of the Devil Rays and they’re now riding a 4 game winning streak. The Twins trail them by 6.5 games and are 5 games behind the Tigers.

All-Star teams announced.

The AL and NL All-Star teams were announced on Sunday afternoon and 3 Twins will make the trip. Johan Santana, Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter will be All-Stars in 2007. It will be Morneau’s first All-Star appearance and he’s the only first-time reserve listed on the AL team. Hunter will make his 2nd appearance and first since 2002. It will be Santana’s 3rd straight appearance.

Pat Neshek is also one of the 5 finalists in the AL for the final vote.