It was a win, but... Red Sox 1 at Twins 2 May 5th, 2007 at 11:30 pm

By Kris Richardson

The Twins gave Julian Tavarez the best start of his season on Saturday night, but still managed to win the low-scoring game 2-1. Johan Santana allowed 1 run, but was forced out after just five innings due to hight pitch count. Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Pat Neshek and Joe Nathan didn’t allow a hit in four innings of relief to hold on to the game and give Santana his fourth win of the season.

Joe Mauer was absent in the game due to soreness in his left quad. Combined with Michael Cuddyer’s absence, it should come as no surprise that the offense could only muster 2 runs against a sub-par starting pitcher.

Both of the Twins’ runs came in the second inning. Justin Morneau started things off with a single and then Jason Kubel and Jeff Cirillo walked to load up the bases. Jason Tyner drove in Morneau on a fielder’s choice and then Jason Bartlett provided the second run on a single that scored Kubel.

Game Notes

Torii Hunter not only extended his hit streak to 20 games, but he also hit his 15th double of the season.
Mauer’s sore quad is causing some concern for the Twins. He’ll have a precautionary MRI at 9am on Sunday. Losing Mauer for an extended period would obviously be a big blow to an already struggling offense.
Nathan recorded his eighth save after coming into the game in the eighth inning.