Morneau Strikes Again
Justin Morneau is getting the reputation as the guy you shouldn't pitch to in the late innings of close games. Last night's 10th inning enhanced that image. Astros manager Phil Garner brought in lefthander Trever Miller to face the lefthanded Morneau. Frankly, it didn't work; Morneau hit the first pitch of the 10th inning off the facade in leftcenter for the game-winning run.
This was a pitchers' duel between the Twins' Brad Radke & Houston's Roy Oswalt for the first six innings. It wasn't until Lance Berkman's three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth that either team led by more than a single run.
Fortunately for the Twins, Houston's lead didn't last long. Jason Kubel singled to right center with one out. Jason Bartlett followed with his third hit, with Kubel stopping at second. Terry Tiffee, pinch-hitting for Brad Radke, singled, scoring Kubel. Preston Wilson made the mistake of airmailing the throw to the plate, allowing Tiffee & Bartlett to move to second & third respectively. Luis Castillo grounded out to shortstop, Bartlett scoring. Nick Punto's double scored Tiffee, tying the game.
The Twins scored a run off Astros' closer Brad Lidge's wild pitch, setting the stage for Joe Nathan to get his eleventh save. Preston Wilson's two-out, two-strike homer ruined that outcome.
Fortunately, the Twins were perfectly setup for Justin Morneau. This time, Nathan didn't give the Stros a chance, striking out the side for his fourth win.
The win improved the Twins' extra innings record to 6-2. Houston is 3-4 in extra innings. The win also extended the Twins' season-best winning streak to eight games.
During their hot streak, the Indians have collapsed, mostly because their bullpen & defense have disintegrated. Cleveland now trails the Twins by 4.5 games. Hugh must be disheartened. Either that or he's thinking of ways to downplay his embarassment, likely saying that it's a long season. He'd be right about that. In fact, I'd suggest that the season's about to get alot longer for Cleveland fans.
Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2006 10:39 AM
May 2006 Posts
No comments.
This was a pitchers' duel between the Twins' Brad Radke & Houston's Roy Oswalt for the first six innings. It wasn't until Lance Berkman's three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth that either team led by more than a single run.
Fortunately for the Twins, Houston's lead didn't last long. Jason Kubel singled to right center with one out. Jason Bartlett followed with his third hit, with Kubel stopping at second. Terry Tiffee, pinch-hitting for Brad Radke, singled, scoring Kubel. Preston Wilson made the mistake of airmailing the throw to the plate, allowing Tiffee & Bartlett to move to second & third respectively. Luis Castillo grounded out to shortstop, Bartlett scoring. Nick Punto's double scored Tiffee, tying the game.
The Twins scored a run off Astros' closer Brad Lidge's wild pitch, setting the stage for Joe Nathan to get his eleventh save. Preston Wilson's two-out, two-strike homer ruined that outcome.
Fortunately, the Twins were perfectly setup for Justin Morneau. This time, Nathan didn't give the Stros a chance, striking out the side for his fourth win.
The win improved the Twins' extra innings record to 6-2. Houston is 3-4 in extra innings. The win also extended the Twins' season-best winning streak to eight games.
During their hot streak, the Indians have collapsed, mostly because their bullpen & defense have disintegrated. Cleveland now trails the Twins by 4.5 games. Hugh must be disheartened. Either that or he's thinking of ways to downplay his embarassment, likely saying that it's a long season. He'd be right about that. In fact, I'd suggest that the season's about to get alot longer for Cleveland fans.
Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2006 10:39 AM
May 2006 Posts
No comments.
