Game #20 - More of the Same

Scott Baker started out shaky, settled down in the early innings, but the Twins couldn't take advantage of their chances in a 7-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Baker started and went the first 6, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs. After allowing 3 consecutive hits in the top of the 1st, Baker sent the next 10 hitters down before allowing 2 runs in the top of the 5th to stake Tampa to a 4-0 lead.

At the plate, the Twins did not capitalize on their chances, going 0-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving 17 men on base. Joe Crede's homer accounted for the only Twins' run.

Baker was better on Monday but dropped to 0-3 on the season and his ERA is still at 9.82. He had a shaky first inning and settled down to retire 10 straight, and he also struck out 7 hitters. However, when the Twins needed him to continue to hang zeroes, he couldn't do so. However, the Twins' bats were completely silent and didn't do him any favors in the process.

Around the AL Central:

• Detroit 4, NY Yankees 2 - The Yanks' struggles continue in a loss to the Tigers. Justin Verlander was fabulous for Detroit, out-dueling CC Sabathia with 7 shutout innings and striking out 9. Magglio Ordonez's 2-run homer supplied the difference.
• Boston 3, Cleveland 1 - The hated Red Sox won their 11th straight after getting to Kerry Wood in the top of the 9th for 3 runs on Jason Bay's 3-run shot. Cliff Lee was brilliant, going 8 innings and allowing no runs on just 5 hits.
• Kansas City 7, Toronto 1 - The Royals once again received strong starting pitching in a win over the Jays. Brian Bannister went to 2-0 after his call-up, going 7 innings and giving up 1 run on only 1 hit. 6 walks made it interesting for him. His ERA in his 2 starts is a paltry 0.69. Jose Guillen had 2 homers for KC, and Miguel Olivo also went deep.
• Chicago White Sox and Seattle - Postponed; double-header Tuesday

Around the Minors:

• AAA - Scranton/Wilkes Barre 7, Rochester 3 - The Red Wings and Yankees always seem to play each other, and the Wing cannot wait to get away from these guys. Jason Jones started and lost for the Red Wings, but he was solid in his 6.2 innings of work, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs. Ben Julianel was knocked around in his relief stint for 7 hits and 4 runs in 2.1 innings of work. Jason Pridie, Matt Tolbert, Dustin Martin, Trevor Plouffe, and Alejandro Machado each had 2 hits for the Red Wings who dropped to 6-10 on the season with the loss.
• AA - New Britain, Idle
• High A - Ft. Myers 4, Palm Beach 3 (10 innings) - Kyle Waldrop picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings in relief. Joe Mauer was 1-2 with 2 walks in his continuing rehab stint. D.J. Romero and Chris Cates each had 2 hits. Ft. Myers is now 11-6 on the season.
• Low A - Kane County 10, Beloit 6 - The Snappers lost to the Cougars again. Ramon Santana was the hitting star with 3 hits, including a double, and 2 RBI. Beloit fell to 5-11 with the loss.

Misc.

• For music today, when I think New Wave, I go Ho-Jo.