Date: 6/26/10

Opponent: New York Mets

Home/Away: Away

Starting Pitcher: Pavano

Final Score: W 6-0

Record: 41-33

Recap: For the second start in a row Pavano comes to the rescue, first pitching a complete game to save an overworked bullpen, then today pitching a stellar 3-hit complete game shutout to break our 4-game losing streak. What a performance. The decision to bring back Pavano this year sure has been paying off in spades for us. The offense had a lot more life today, too. They put together some really great at bats, working the counts and making Santana throw a lot of pitches. Our defense also had some fantastic plays, and they seemed a lot less sleepy than in the prior week or so.

I have to admit I was really reluctant to watch this game, just because it's been so ugly lately. But I definitely relaxed a bit once we put 4 runs up in the 1st inning. Hudson doubled with 1 out and was driven in on a single by Mauer. In what turned out to be a critical play in the inning, Mauer appeared to be picked off and thrown out at 2nd. But the home plate umpire ruled a balk, and Mauer ended up on 2nd anyway. Morneau popped up for the second out of the inning. Cuddyer worked a walk, and Kubel hit a ground rule double just fair down the left field line to score Mauer and put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Then Skinny Delmon had a big double to score both runners and put the Twins up by 4.

After that, Pavano got to work. He was pounding the strike zone, getting the Mets to put the ball into play, and the defense did the rest. There were only 3 hits he gave up, all singles. As if his brilliant performance on the mound weren't enough, Pavano had 2 singles and a sac bunt in the game. He's hitting .500 (3 for 6) this year. The Twins got a couple other runs in the game. Punto singled with 1 out in the 4th, was bunted over to 2nd by Pavano, and scored on a double by Span (he was thrown out at 3rd trying to turn it into a triple). Then Kubel tacked on another with a solo homer in the 9th. Mauer, Kubel and Pavano each had 2 hits.

Anyway, it was a really good game. The power of the Pavstache came through again. Perhaps Baker will be sporting a similar look tomorrow (actually, I kind of hope he is). Because we need the starting pitchers to step up and set the table for the team. Maybe we can use this start as the beginning of a winning streak. Baseball's a funny game, and you really can never tell when a team's going to heat up. I'm in favor of the Twins getting hot now. And preferably staying hot through the rest of the year. Haha.  

Best Moment: Taking a big lead in the 1st inning.

Most Questionable Moment: I can't come up with anything today.

Worst Moment: There really wasn't a bad part of this game. Maybe the 3 hits Pavano gave up. A no-hitter would have been nice. But I'm not complaining about the shutout!

Quotations of the Day:

• "I think it looks pretty good." - Carl Pavano, on his facial hair. There really is something mesmerizing about the 'stache. Sometimes I think it can talk.

Suck-Ass Performance of the Game: Justin Morneau (0 for 4, 2 strikeouts, 2 left on base)