The Los Angeles Angels are only a half-game behind the Astros after beating the Seattle Mariners late Saturday night. After the last four season in which the Twins lost 90 or more games each year, 2015 has been fun.
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Dozier doubled as the first batter in the game, went to third on a sharp single to right by first baseman Joe Mauer and scored when rookie designated hitter Miguel Sano reached base on an error by Detroit shortstop Dixon Machado. I wasn’t at the ballpark to have a good view of the geography of the play, but having seen it on TV I’d say I don’t like the idea of taking that big risk in that situation. “He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to close out seasons with potential playoff berths, so I think he’s more than willing and prepared to find his way to grind it out”. In 37.1 innings pitched he gave up just five earned runs, two saves and zero blown saves.
The Tigers acquired Boyd when they traded David Price to Toronto shortly before the deadline.
Scheduled starting pitchers: RHP Ervin Santana (6-4, 4.31 ERA) vs. LHP Randy Wolf (0-4, 5.91 ERA). Molitor said Nolasco has shown a hunger and professionalism in working his way back from right ankle surgery. “We know where he is in terms of innings for the season, so we are always checking with him, but he keeps telling us he will be fine”.
That’s a pretty rare feat for Pelfrey, the least likely pitcher on Minnesota’s staff to strike out a batter. After 1 2/3 innings of “work” he was done.
Being in postseason contention provides daily renewal for Suzuki, who turns 32 on the final day of the regular season. Yoenis Cespedes (.292, 99 Rs, 35 HRs, 105 RBIs, 7 SBs) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run and two RBIs. He allowed six hits but didn’t walk anybody and only permitted one run.
Torii Hunter rolled over a ground ball to third that probably should have been a double play, but Nick Castellanos inexplicably underhanded it, his high throw pulling Ian Kinsler off the bag. It’s his 11th multi-hit game of the year. He’s also 8 for 16 (.500) with two homers for his career off Simon. His goal at the time was to lead the Major Leagues in three-base hits. All of Detroit’s runs came after the fourth inning. “He ain’t going to catch it. When it left my bat, I am just glad I hit it hard”. He also threw out center fielder Anthony Gose when he tried to bunt for a base hit with two out in the seventh. He missed time earlier this month with a bad back.
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“I was already coming out of my crouch”, he said. The coaches and players were told just prior to Saturday’s game…. “That was little unusual, but that’s what the Twins do”, Kinsler said. The Buckeyes have won 17 straight games. “You want to make sure you take care of the small details”.
