Missed opportunites Twins 2 at Athletics 4 June 3rd, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Johan Santana wasn’t exactly on his game Sunday in Oakland, but the Twins still had chances to win the game. When scoring opportunities came up, Twins hitters simply couldn’t get the job done and Oakland was able to win the rubber game of the series by a score of 4-2. The loss sent the Twins to their first series loss since they were swept by Cleveland on May 15-17th. The Twins had won 4 straight series.
The core of the Twins lineup was most to blame for the missed opportunities. Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau, Torii Hunter and Mike Redmond combined to go 1 for 16 in the three through six spots of the lineup. And these missed opportunities I speak of:
- In the first inning with runners on 1st and 3rd and one out Morneau grounded into an inning-ending double play.
- In the third inning Jason Tyner led off the inning with a double and then Luis Castillo moved him over to third and made the first out on a ground out. Nick Punto walked, Cuddyer struck out, Morneau was intentionally walked to load ‘em up and then Hunter popped out to end the inning.
- In the fifth inning, after one run had been scored, Morneau flied out to left with Punto on second and no outs. Hunter and Redmond then grounded out to end the inning.
- In the sixth inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs, Cuddyer struck out on what would’ve been ball 4.
If the Twins had come up with hits in a couple of those situations, they may have won the game. On top of their 8 hits, Oakland pitchers walked 7 Twins batters. Scoring 2 runs on a day like that is no way to win a game.
Game Notes
- Jason Kubel was the offensive star of the game. He hit his third homer of the season to lead off the sixth and also had 2 other singles.
- Luis Castillo had a 2 for 5 day at the plate.
- The Twins stole 4 bases in the game. Castillo and Jason Bartlett each had one with Punto getting two.
- Matt Guerrier and Carmen Cali completed the game with a combined 2 innings of scoreless pitching.
Joe Mauer getting closer to return
For what seems like the 20th time, the Twins have set a tentative return date for Joe Mauer. He left early Sunday morning for a rehab assignment and may return for the home series against the Washington Nationals on Friday.
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