The Devil Rays completely gave this game to the Twins with an inning of the worst defense I may have ever seen at the major league level. After the Twins produced a couple runs in the first, they piled it on in the second with four more. Here’s how it went:

Torii Hunter walked and then on a steal attempt he left too early and got caught between first and second. The throw from first baseman Carlos Pena went into the outfield and allowed Hunter to gain second. Jason Kubel then walked and Jason Tyner came to the plate with no outs and bunting in mind. He layed down a nice bunt, but no one was covering first and pitcher Ediwin Jackson’s panic throw to third sailed into foul territory to score two runs and put Tyner at third. B.J. Upton later committed on error on what could’ve been a double play ball which ultimately allowed another run to score. The second inning ended with the Twins on top by 6 runs.

Sidney Ponson looked shaky early with a hit batter and a walk in the first inning and home run allowed to Delmon Young in the second. That would be the only run he allowed through seven innings. The start was by far his best of the season–he allowed just five hits and two walks. There’s no doubt that the early lead helped him out quite a bit, but he still needs credit for holding a decent offense to just 1 run.

Game Notes

• Luis Castillo had 3 hits in his first game back after missing over a week. He actually had 2 hits in his first at bat with a terrible umpire call ruling his first a foul ball. His infield chopper hit off catcher Dave Navarro and then bounced into foul territory. Apparently none of the umpires on the field noticed the ball drastically change direction after hitting Navarro’s shin. Castillo just came back with another infield single.
• Joe Mauer and Tyner also had 3 hits games.
• Torii Hunter extended his hit streak to 16 games with his league leading 14th double of the season.
• Michael Cuddyer while heading to third base after rounding second lost his balance and did an awkward somersault before being tagged out. He later left the game with a bruised back.
• The Twins had no home runs in the game, but did hit 4 doubles.