The Minnesota Twins hope there is at least one more game in
the Metrodome after today.
Minnesota has a chance to win the American League Central title this afternoon
when it closes out a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals in what
could also be the final game ever in its storied ball park.
The Twins enter action on Sunday tied atop the division with the Detroit
Tigers after Michael Cuddyer's solo home run in the bottom of the eighth on
Saturday carried the Twins to a 5-4 win.
Detroit then went out and lost to Chicago, creating what could be an
incredible atmosphere inside a building this afternoon that will be closing
its doors at the end of this season for open-aired Target Field.
The Twins could win the division outright today with a win and another Detroit
loss. However, if the teams are still tied after action today, there will be a
one-game playoff for the division title on Tuesday at the Metrodome.
Minnesota, of course, lost a one-game playoff to the Chicago White Sox to lose
the division last year and has not made the playoffs since Detroit blew a late
division lead down the stretch in 2006 to give the Twins an AL Central title.
Delmon Young hit a three-run double while Joe Mauer drove in the other run for
the Twins, who have won three straight.
Nick Blackburn went seven-plus innings and was charged with two runs on four
hits with five strikeouts. Jon Rauch (5-1) got the win.
"There's been so much pressure on all of us the past two weeks," said Cuddyer.
"It's fun, but it's stressful too. We got the win tonight after they came back
and we got one more to go here. There's been some great baseball lately, and
tonight was another one. We have to win another one tomorrow."
Alex Gordon hit a two-run home run while Mike Jacobs added a solo shot for the
Royals, who have dropped four of their last five.
Zack Greinke, the front-runner for the AL Cy Young award, made his last start
of the season and over six innings was charged with four runs on six hits with
two walks and five strikeouts. Dusty Hughes (0-2) was handed the loss.
"I was pitching good all year but today wasn't one of my better ones," said
Greinke. "There were a couple there I wish I could have back. Especially some
of the two-strike pitches.
Getting the ball for the Twins today will be right-hander Carl Pavano, who
will be pitching on three-days' rest. Pavano, though, was rocked by the Tigers
his last time out, surrendering seven runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings,
dropping him to 13-12 to go along with a 5.07 ERA.
Pavano beat the Royals two starts ago and is 3-4 against them with a 7.17 ERA
in eight games (seven starts).
Kansas City will counter with right-hander Luke Hochevar, who has lost nine of
his last 10 decisions. Hochevar was hammered by the New York Yankees on
Monday, as he allowed eight runs and 12 hits in six innings, dropping him to
7-12, while raising his ERA to 6.24.
Hochevar is 1-1 in his three starts against the Twins with a 3.72 ERA.
Minnesota is 11-6 this season against the Royals, winning seven of the last
eight matchups.
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