MN Sports Blog

The Twins continued their absolute tear tonight against the Kansas City Royals as they pounded out twenty hits scoring nineteen runs. They even managed to do so against former Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke. Greinke lasted just four innings giving up eight earned runs on eight hits while somehow managing to strike out seven. Francisco Liriano on the other hand returned to form giving up just three hits in seven innings with six strike outs. Liriano improved to 9-7 on the season and lowered his season ERA to 3.35.

Offensively the Twins were absolutely unstoppable. They filled the stat shit early and often as five Twins hitters had at least two hits with Thome being the only starter without one. Joe Mauer made up for some lost time going 5-for-5 driving in 7 RBIs. Mauer hit his sixth homer of the year and falling just a triple shy of the cycle.

Danny Valencia was matching Mauer’s cycle attempt as he needed just a triple for the cycle. Valencia was 4-for-4 with his first career grand slam, four RBIs and two doubles. Delmon Young went 4-for-6 with an RBI and a pair of doubles as he continues his torrid pace. Delmon is hitting .410 in the month of July with five home runs, 23 RBIs and nine doubles. Young has pushed his average all the way up to .324 compared to .263 two months ago.

The Twins are in a much needed easy part of their schedule as they took three out of four from the Orioles, three against the Royals and then three against the struggling Mariners. The Twins are starting to do what they were supposed to do and really need to do which is beat the teams they’re supposed to beat. The month of August is a little more difficult for the Twins as they’ll face off with the White Sox for six, the Angels, the red hot Texas Rangers, and the Tampa Bay Rays.

In semi unrelated news Matt Garza, who was part of the trade that brought Delmon Young to the Twins from the Rays, no-hit the Detroit Tigers for the first time in franchise history.

The Minnesota Twins now find themselves in a tie for first place in the central with the Detroit Tigers. The Twins defeated the Kansas City Royals this afternoon after a strong start from Nick Blackburn on short rest. The Twins were able to score four runs against likely Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.

Delmon Young came through again with a three-run double in the 6th inning. The Royals answered with four of their own until the bottom of the 8th brought a game winning solo home run for Michael Cuddyer. That 5-4 lead would hold as Joe Nathan nailed down save number 47 on the season.

So with the victory in hand the Twins had all eyes on the scoreboard. Detroit lost to the Chicago White Sox after a very strong start by Freddy Garcia who lasted 7+ innings giving up just the one run. The final score was 5-1 and now the Minnesota Twins find themselves in a position to win the division outright or at least a playoff game on Tuesday to decide the winner.

The Star Tribune has reported that Carl Pavano (13-12) will start for the Twins on three days rest Sunday. He will take on Luke Hochevar who is 7-12 this season. Detroit will have their ace Justin Verlander take the hill on Sunday against the White Sox. If both teams lose tomorrow there will be a one game playoff at the Metrodome on Tuesday. If one team loses and the other wins, the winner will be the division champions.

Star Tribune

Minnesota Sports Blog