Twins Win Game 1 of Pivotal Tigers Series

The series that makes or breaks the Twins’ 2009 season started off great. The Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 3-0 at the Metrodome and come within 3 games of the Tigers for the AL Central title. This also makes 5 straight victories for the Twinkies andgives the team even more hope that they have a chance to be in the playoffs this year.

In no way, shape, or form did I think that the Twins’ lineup would look anything close to what it is right now. Look at who started in the infield…no one, with exception to Mauer behind the plate, is the same as the beginning of the season. Well, Nick Punto is still there, but playing a different position. At the beginning of the season, Punto was expected to be the everyday shortstop with his offensive production going up at the end of last season, but instead he’s playing second as the Twins made a nice pickup of Orlando Cabrera. The Twins signed Joe Crede in the offseason, but he’s on the DL, and Matt Tolbert is playing there. Justin Morneau is also on the DL and Michael Cuddyer came in from the outfield to play first base. It’s a crazy rotation of players and somehow the Twins and Ron Gardenhire have made it work.

Speaking of drastic changes, the rotation looks a lot different than it did at the beginning of the year as well.

Brian Duensing, who pitched 6.1 shutout innings tonight, improved his record to 4-1. As a starter, Duensing is 4-0 with a 1.70 ERA. That’s a nice stat line for a rookie starter. His strikeout to walk ratio is hovering right below 3. He pitched well tonight, and the Twins needed it against a Tigers lineup that can produce a big inning in a hurry.

I think the best thing about the recent run the Twins ahve gone on is the fact they’ve gone back to playing like the Piranhas everyone knows and loves. They’re manufacturing runs by playing small ball. they’re using the bunt effectively, placing sacrifices in order to move runners over, and getting timely hits from their big name guys and unexpected newcomers. The emergence of Denard Span as one of the best leadoff hitters in the game has made the first half of this lineup something to look out for. I am excited to see if the Twins can finish this series with a sweep, or at least 2 of 3. If that’s the case, it certainly makes the rest of the season something to pay close attention to.

Tags: al central, brian duensing, joe mauer, mlb, tigers, Twins