Date: 9/27/09

Opponent: Kansas City Royals

Home/Away: Away

Starting Pitcher: Liriano

Final Score: L 4-1

Record: 81-74

Best Moment: We didn't get shut out. But man, what a clunker. I don't think there's any shame in losing to Zack Greinke. It sucks, but it's understandable. However, the profusion of baserunners stranded is beyond frustrating. We had many, many chances, and we could only score a run on a groundout. Even worse, we had several situations with 2 or even 3 men on base with no outs or 1 out and couldn't get a hit. Cabrera got 3 hits, yet left 5 on base. That's bad. Mauer had 2 hits, but left 6 on base. That's really bad. Kubel got no hits and stranded 7 on base. That sucks ass.

And now the big series is here. Realistically, we have to win the series. A split's no good as we'll still be 2 back, and losing the series means we're eliminated. This first game is huge. I think if we lose it we're toast. Cross your fingers...

Most Questionable Moment: Anyone else think Manship might have been the better choice now? Hindsight's 20-20. And lord let's hope Liriano doesn't make another start this season.

Worst Moment: Liriano gives up a 3-run home run to Yuniesky Betancourt. Yuniesky Betancourt! That's humiliating. Ugh. I guess he was trying to make up for the 5 or 6 runs he gave us with his errors in the first 2 games. In the end Liriano couldn't even make it out of the 2nd inning.

Quotations of the Day:

• "It's all in our hands. We've got to win the series. That's what it's all about." - Ron Gardenhire

Suck-Ass Performance of the Game: Jason Kubel (0 for 4, 1 strikeout, 1 GIDP, 7 left on base) and Francisco Liriano (1.2 innings pitched, 3 hits, 3 walks, 1 home run, 3 earned runs).