There is momentum in baseball, and it comes in the batter's box. The Twins' finished their very important sweep of the Indians having scored eighteen runs. All of this after losing Morneau for the season. Everyone but Swing (Cabrera) and Everything (Young) got a hit or scored a run, showing some balance to the line up that's been lacking. Especially encouraging excludes the off-base duo, but includes Matt Tolbert (2-4 while working the count), Michael Cuddyer (3-4 with power while not working the count), and Jose Morales hopefully showing Gardy that he should always be in the lineup (2-3 with power while working the count). The bottom of the order has been a problem for the Twins all season, but now they're starting to turn it around (getting Casilla out of the line up is helping immensely). Not that the Twins needed a huge offensive day.
Nick Blackburn was great. Striking some guys out, getting a key double play, and working efficiently until an 11 pitch at-bat to end the Indians' frame in the sixth. He threw nothing but heat until the eighth pitch of the at-bat, something that's happened with Scott Baker as well. Blackbeard won the at bat on a fastball, but only because he had mixed in some off-speed stuff to throw off the hitter. Nick was on pace to go the distance, but after that battle, he gave up three hits (including a homer) before exiting. He pitched great over all. It's a shame he wore himself out of a shutout.
The bullpen was shaky, but made the necessary outs with men in scoring position. At least we know now that Jesse Crain is not to be used in the eighth inning. And that Matt Guerrier needs tomorrow's day off more than anyone.
Something named Bonine is pitching for Detroit tonight. Feel good.
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