Well, that was interesting.
In a day where two games went past the 17th inning, when the Twins and Nationals went into the 11th, I, along with many of you, were probably nervous that this game was going to go a while, considering the Nationals' recent offensive output (The Nationals had eleven runs in their past six games), and the Twins hitting with RISP (1 for 21 in the KC series.).
However, in the eleventh, Ryan Doumit came through (again), hitting an RBI single in the eleventh for a 4-3 win against Washington.
Now, this win is not only significant as a rebound game after the series loss against the Royals, but it was very important to squash a dangerous and underachieving Nationals team, although they were without standouts Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. This team was predicted to win the World Series by some, and remains a good team who can lash out at any time. If the Twins get a series win tomorrow, it will be a huge confidence booster going into another interleague series, though this one will be played with AL rules.
Glen Perkins was his usual self today, allowing one hit in an inning of work to get the save. Perkins has been a revelation in the closer role. Never a great starter, when he was switched to the bullpen, he was able to get his velocity up and become a very good reliever. He is a very underrated closer.
Joe Mauer also went 3 for 5 and got his 100th home run this year, which is his sixth of the year. Mauer has never been known for power, but it is nice that he can occasionally hit a home run, especially as the best hitter in this lineup.
Tomorrow, the Twins face off with the Nationals in a day-night double header to make up yesterday's game, closing out the series. Hopefully Samuel Deduno will allow less than four walks. If he can do that, I like the Twins' chances in the afternoon game.
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