It has been 174 days in the making and Twins baseball is here to stay!
It takes no fool to know the Twins did not have the start they had hoped for. Most runs (13) given up in an opener for the Twins (former 12).
The Twins had troubles early, as Pavano got into early trouble after giving up an infield single, followed by pick-off attempt that resulted in a botched rundown (Nishioka high throw), followed by a walk, I think a hit batsman, a base hit, a balk, and some other stuff.
Also, in the first Nishi unfortunately recorded his first MLB error prior to his first hit, which Nishi got in the 6th inning on a ground ball shot to left field.
Pavano ended his first outing making it to the 5th inning, but unable to record an out:
4.0IP, 8 runs on 6 Hits(3 Home runs), 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts (ERA 15.75)
Twins were able to get on the board in the 7th with some timely hitting and the ability to wear down Romero to whom left the game with one out in the 7th.
Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero had a quality start, getting into the 7th inning (6.1), giving up 3 runs (2 earned), with 7 strikeouts and no walks. The only positive thing that I take away from this is some nice fantasy baseball stats.
Former starter Kevin Slowey for the Twins was able to pitch a scoreless inning in relief, giving up just a single.
Who’s is Minnesota Twins bullpen coach Phil Roof? He is once long time minor league manager who is temporarily replacing Rick Stelmaszek, while recovering from retina surgery.
Highlights for the Blue Jays are the continuation of their power from last year; hitting 4 HR’s, (3 off of Pavano and one from Hughes).
The game was stopped on several occasions for the Blue Jays grounds crew to retrieve water bottles and towels, which gave me plenty of time to start writing some thoughts while I sat waiting for the game to continue.
In the end, the Twins (0-1) were shat on by the Blue Jays (1-0) by a 13-3 margin, as the Twins could have used some help from the CFL.
The good news for the Twins and Twins fans alike, this game only counts as one loss, even in Canadian currency.
It is a long season and the Twins will be back in action hopefully with the removal of the first game cob webs (Twins have lost their last 3 season openers). There is no doubt in my mind that the Twins will be thirsty tomorrow in the afternoon match-up at 12:07pm CT (MIN: Liriano Vs. TOR: Drabek).
Win Twins!
