Worst to best isn't easy Twins 3 at Tigers 9 August 7th, 2006 at 11:07 pm
On Sunday the Twins completed a four game sweep over baseball’s worst team, and it probably came at a time when that team was playing even worse than it usually does. On Monday the Twins had to play baseball’s best team in Detroit where they’re 0 and 6. Nothing came easily for the Twins on Monday night. Jason Bartlett, who was 5-5 on Sunday, was 0-3 on Monday and hit into two double plays. A team that got 22 hits just a day before, had just 8 hits on Monday. They also only got the aid of one walk in the game. To make matters worse, Francisco Liriano was roughed up and lasted just four innings.
The primary concer had to be Liriano. Was he just off the mark due to the missed start or is his arm still bothering him. He still managed to strike out five in the four innings, but he gave up 10 hits to the Tiger lineup. After Liriano left the game the Twins closed the gap a bit with a Joe Mauer 2-run homer in the sixth. They never got closer than 4-3. Jesse Crain had a meltdown, walking 3 plus 1 intentional walk. The Tigers scored 4 runs in that inning and shut the door on the game.
Terry Ryan and Ron Gardenhire are still pondering what to do about the fifth starter spot. Mike Smith likely won’t get another start, although he has yet to be sent back to Rochester. Matt Garza is scheduled to make a start in Rochester on Tuesday night, so a decision on whether he will be called up would likely have to be made by Tuesday afternoon. Scott Baker could also be recalled, but he’s been yanked up and down so much already it seems more likely they’d try something new.
Game Notes
- Mauer hit his 10th homerun and set a new career high for homers in a season. It was his only hit.
- Jason Kubel says he’s feeling better and ready to play in the field. He was still at DH on Monday, but was 2-4 at the plate with a double.
- Morneau was 2-4 with two doubles and his 99th RBI.
- Pat Neshek dominated the Tiger lineup for two innings. He struck out 3 and didn’t allow a baserunner.
Brad Radke and Nate Robertson will match up again on Tuesday night. The Twins scored 5 runs off the lefty on July 29th.
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