Seattle back in the bubbledome

[henks]

Twins are hoping home is where the wins are, as they struggled mightily during their short 4 game road trip.

So far in tonight's game, the bats are back, as they scored 2 in the first and 3 in the second. This is impressive because they had a hard time getting runs accross the plate while they were away, and have always seemed to need to come from behind.

Baker is making the most of it so far tonight, as he's given up only 2 hits through 4 innings. Hopefully his command is back, and can keep this up to help the team get back to the win column.

Twins up 5-0 top of 5th.

[henks]

Twins put up a 5 spot in the 6th, up 10-0.

[catman]

Baker seems to be back on form. He left after 7 shutout innings. I'm sure he'll take a shutout into the 9th sometime this season. The most important thing for Baker was his ability to throw strikes. No walks tonight.
By the way, the Twins have hit 4 homers and nearly another from Kubel.

[catman]

Twins win 11-0 with Crain pitching a perfect 8th and Nathan doing his usual job in the 9th. Good way to start a homestand.

[henks]

Much needed win, hopefully this will get their bats fired up.

[catman]

Mauer and Morneau go back-to-back again tonight with Kubel just missing another.
Liriano is pitching well tonight. Mike Sweeney just nailed one though. It was a no-doubt-about it homer.
4-2 Twins.

[henks]

Cuddy has a 3 run shot in the 5th, scoring M & M.

Ayala in to pitch in the 6th, Twins up 9-5.

[henks]

Twins win 9-6.

Three homers hit by the Twins tonight...Mauer and Morneau back to back in the third, then Cuddy had a 3 run shot in the 5th. Very nice to see an offensive breakout in the series so far.

Liriano didn't have his best stuff, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings, but it was good enough to get the win tonight. Nathan pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the year.

Twins go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon. Projected starters are Blackburn and Bedard.

[Porter]

The Twins are a different team with Mauer back. Hats off to them. The M's are back down to earth, but they are better than last year.

[catman]

I agree that the Mariners are a better team. I just hope that Felix is OK. Something looked wrong in the last inning he pitched tonight.
The Twins need to keep playing this way. Bedard is going to be tough tomorrow.

[Porter]

I missed the game, had to work. What happened?

[mntwinsfan]

I missed the game to. Good to see the Twins win. Mauer has been great since his return.

[catman]

Liriano pitched really well for 3 innings (9 consecutive outs), then allowed 5 runs on 6 hits after hitting Ichiro in the butt leading off the 4th. He pitched through the 5th.
Beltre hit a homer, made 2 errors and stole a base. He was also caught stealing 3rd in a critical situation. Mike Sweeney hit a 2-run homer also.
On the Twins' side, Mauer and Morneau hit back-to-back homers again for the 2nd straight night. Cuddyer hit a 3-run bomb (430') down the left field line.
It appears Felix had a physical problem in the 3rd and 4th innings. He wasn't the same guy I've seen dominate hitters. I hope there is nothing seriously wrong with him.
Here's the box score: Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins - Box Score - May 09, 2009 - ESPN

[henks]

Blackburn pitched a helluva game, and he really deserved to get the win. The bullpen just couldn't follow through though. Mijares gives up the game tying 2 run shot to Griffey in the 8th...then it all fell apart from there.

Twins had the bases loaded in the 9th, down 2, but Harris couldn't get it done.

Minnesota takes 2 of 3 from Seattle.

[Porter]

Im glad the M's don't have to face Mauer for a while dammit. He god damn killled us.