Score: Twins 3 Indians 0Turning Point: Justin Morneau’s two run homer in the bottom of the first sealed the game for the Twins. Morneau was in a 2-2 count, and Jake Westbrook left a fastball over the middle of the plate, and the result was Morneau’s fifth home run of the season.
Analysis: Two steps forward and one step back. The Indians had their opportunities to drive in some runs. They had three chances to score. Asdrubal Cabrera was thrown out at home plate in the second, and they left four men on base, all were in scoring position at one point. Jake Westbrook didn’t have his “A” game with him today. He gave up three runs in the first two innings, and with no offensive support he didn’t have a chance. Westbrook scattered eight hits across seven innings of work. He struck out four and walked one.
MVP: Nick Blackburn
Blackburn held the Indians’ offense at bay. When he needed to make a pitch, he made it. He didn’t allow any runs, struck out one, and gave up eight hits in 7 and 2/3. Blackburn is now 1-1 with a 2.49 ERA.
Extras:
- Last night the Indians had their first shut out win on the season, and today they had their first shut out loss.
- The Tribe grounded into four double plays, which is what often killed any kind of rally that was started.
- Today’s game saw Jamey Carroll’s on base streak continue. Starting at second base for the third consecutive game, Carroll was hit by a pitch in the top of the first.
Next Up: The Indians face the Twins again tomorrow afternoon in the series finale. Paul Byrd will get the nod for Cleveland. He had a very solid start against the Red Sox last time out. Byrd is 0-2 with a 6.07 ERA. Minnesota will send right hander, Scott Baker, to the mound. Baker is 2-0 with a 4.34 ERA. First pitch is from the Metrodome, located in downtown Minneapolis, at 2:10 PM EST.
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