Tigers Come to Target Field -- Again

[catman]

Here are the matchups:
Duensing v. Galarraga
Tomorrow, Liriano v. Scherzer.
Thursday, Baker v. Verlander.

[catman]

So far, the Twins defense has been a bit shaky. Hardy made a throwing error, leading to a couple of unearned runs.

[catman]

Duensing allowed 3 unearned runs and left with 2 outs in the 7th inning. Guerrier came in and got the guy he needed to and the Twins came back with the lead run. Nice "vulture" win for Guerrier. Crain and Flores got holds and Capps got his 7th save as a Twin. Phil Coke was tagged with the loss.

[henks]

Not typical Twins defense at all. Span really needs to work on his bunting, and umpires still suck.

[catman]

The Twins played a bit better on defense today and Liriano pitched 7 very solid innings. The Tigers tied the game at 1 in the 8th, and the Twins pulled one out in the 10th on a single by Cuddyer, followed by a strike-out by Young -- Cuddy stole 2nd on a close play. Danny Valencia came up and got perhaps the most important hit of his young career, driving Cuddy in for the game winning run.
Rauch got the win and Perry took the loss. 2-1 Twins.

[henks]

It was a pretty exciting game for only being 2-1.

[catman]

Danny Valencia has been a very pleasant surprise this season. Had Morneau not gone down 2 months ago, I think the Twins would have 82 or 83 wins by now. He'd have been worth 5+ wins over the past 60 days.

[catman]

Baker is out of the game after 2 innings. Not sure what's up, but Bert speculates that his back might be stiff. Jeff Manship in the game.
2-2 after 2 1/2.

[catman]

Baker left tonight's game with pain in his elbow. Manship did a very good job, taking the game to the 7th inning. The Twins are up 6-3, scoring 3 unearned runs in the 5th.

[catman]

Brian Duensing has pitched 2 innings (11th & 12th) in relief. The game is tied 9-9. Lots of unearned runs and the infielders are not playing very well on either side. The umpires don't seem to be having a great night, either.
The Twins have Morales, Repko and Tolbert, followed by the top of the order, coming up in their half of the 12th.
Blackburn might come in for the 13th, if needed.