Game #9 - Extra Innings

The Twins had to work a little OT in order to break their 10-game losing streak against the Toronto Blue Jays, winning 3-2 in 11 innings on Joe Crede's 2-out double which plated Justin Morneau.

Starter Glen Perkins was tremendous for the second time in two starts, going 8 innings again and giving up 2 runs, 7 hits, and striking out four. Perkins took a no-decision thanks to giving up back-to-back 2-out hits to Alex Rios and Vernon Wells in the top of the 8th which allowed Toronto to tie the game. Joe Nathan pitched a scoreless 9th inning, and Jesse Crain picked up his first win of the year with 2 perfect innings. Perkins's ERA in his two starts is a paltry 1.69, and he has allowed just 12 hits and 3 runs in 16 innings this season.

For Toronto, starter Ricky Romero was great in his second MLB appearance. The 2007 first round draft pick also pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits. He showed good command of his breaking pitches and was able to spot his fastball. Romero has the make-up of a future star.

At the plate, the Twins were paced by Morneau's 3 hits, including an RBI double in the 4th inning. Crede had 2 doubles in the game, and Denard Span also had 2 hits. Delmon Young went 1-4, but worked 3-ball counts in 2 of his 4 plate appearances in a moment of disbelief.

Tomorrow, the Twins will send Scott Baker to the mound for his first start after starting the season on the DL. He'll oppose Toronto's Scott Richmond. Baker will need to be activated from the DL in order to start, and the Twins will need to send someone to Rochester to make room. Either Brian Duensing, Philip Humber, or R.A. Dickey will need to be sent out, and my guess is that it'll be Duensing, since he has options remaining. (Update - the Twins optioned Duensing to AAA Rochester and activated Baker).

Elsewhere around the AL Central:

• Kansas City 9, Cleveland 3 - The Tribe is now 1-7 after getting dumped by the Royals. KC blew open a 4-3 game with 5 runs in the 8th inning off relievers Rafael Perez and Vinnie Chulk. Starter Carl Pavano was much better in this game than his season debut, allowing 8 hits and 4 runs in 6 innings. For the Royals, John Buck continued his torrid early-season pace with 2 HR and 5 RBI, pushing his batting average to .500.
• Detroit and Chicago White Sox - Postponed due to rain

Around the Minors:

• AAA - Rochester 6, Pawtucket 5 - The Red Wings won again with a come-from-behind effort over the Paw Sox. Jason Pridie, Drew Butera, and Matt Macri each had 2 hits, 1 of which was a double. Luke Hughes had 2 more RBI, giving him 8 for the season. Jason Jones started, followed by Sean Henn, Bobby Keppel, and Ben Julianel, who picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings.
• AA - Portland 4, New Britain 3 - The Rock Cats dropped to 1-5. Wilson Ramos went 3-4, Brian Dinkelman 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI, and Danny Valencia homered. Jeff Manship started and lost his second decision, going 4 innings and giving up 6 hits and 4 runs. Yohan Pino (3 IP, 5 K) and Anthony Slama (1 IP, 2 K) finished up with scoreless outings.
• High A - Ft. Myers and Jupiter were postponed
• Low A - Beloit 10, Quad Cities 7 - The Snappers (1-3) made it a bit interesting in the 9th, surrendering 3 runs to the Swing of the Quad Cities to cut the deficit to 3, but held on for the win. Jonathan Waltenbury and Alexander Soto each had 3 hits. Waltenbury, Soto, and Ramon Santana each had 2 RBI. Hank Sanchez went 1-3 with a double, an RBI, and 2 walks. He also struck out twice. Brad Tippett started and went the first five for the Snappers, giving up 4 runs. Joe Testa followed with 3 scoreless innings, before Danny Hernandez pitched the adventurous 9th inning.

Miscellaneous:

• Tom Glavine is reportedly mulling retirement after leaving a minor league rehab start after experiencing shoulder discomfort. Dr. James Andrews found a rotator cuff inflammation, but no tears. The 22-year veteran has a career mark of 305 and 203, with a 3.54 ERA and 1.314 WHIP with the Braves and Mets. I remember him when he was breaking in with the Braves in the late 80's on those awful Atlanta teams. He's one of the great lefties of all time, and here's hoping he'll be able to recover.
• My beloved New York Islanders won the 2009 draft lottery and will pick first overall for the first time since 2000 (Rick DiPietro). The Isles also picked first in 1972 (Billy Harris) and 1972 (Denis Potvin). They had better take John Tavares this time!
• The NHL Central Scouting Bureau released its 2009 draft-eligible rankings today, and Gopher freshman Jordan Schroeder is the fifth-rated North American skater. Where he goes in the June draft will say a lot about his return to the U next fall.
• The UMD Bulldogs hockey program lost two underclassmen to the NHL this week: Junior Goaltender Alex Stalock to San Jose and Sophomore Defenseman Evan Oberg to Vancouver. The loss of Stalock will be huge for UMD.
• In honor of Reg Dunlop, we'll include this little number by Leo Sayer and pretend we're at The Aces.