Date: 7/15/10

Opponent: Chicago White Sox

Home/Away: Home

Starting Pitcher: Slowey

Final Score: L 8-7

Record: 46-43

Recap: You'd think that 15 hits and 7 runs would be more than enough to win a game. But then again this is the pitching staff with the sky-rocketing ERA. Hopefully this makes sense. I'm exhausted and I can barely think much less write. I am feeling a bit discouraged right now, but our pitchers have to improve at least a little. Right? Maybe? Sort of? I can only hope we finish the rest of the series with a little more success. This season could get ugly quick if we don't make some changes. And of course Morneau is now going on the DL for his concussion. Let's rub a little salt in the wound while we're at it.

Slowey labored through the first 2 innings and gave up 4 runs. It was looking rather grim, but the offense fought back and put up 6 runs in the 2nd inning. Of course that lasted about a nanosecond. Slowey gave up another run in the 4th without recording an out and Burnett came into the game to hold the lead. That didn't turn out so well; he ended up surrendering 3 runs. The real beauty of it came when he tripped and fell while attempting to pitch and was called for a balk as he tumbled to the ground. A run scored on the balk. It seemed an apt physical metaphor for June and July. Stumble and fall.

Down by 2, we had some scoring opportunities, most notably when we loaded the bases with 2 outs i the 8th. Naturally Hudson struck out. We also added a run in the 9th when Mauer led off with a double and Skinny Delmon singled to make it a 1-run game. I do applaud the Twins for not giving up, but it's so awful to watch the starters fail day afer day. I really can't write any more because I keep typing imaginary words and incoherent sentences. But tomorrow's another day.

Best Moment: Mauer's bases-clearing double, which gave the Twins a short-lived lead.

Most Questionable Moment: Why was today Catcher's Day? Did I miss something?

Worst Moment: Hudson striking out with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th.

Quotations of the Day:

• "I'd like to take him by those pine trees and beat him with a shovel. A long shovel so I won't have to be near him." - Ashleigh, ranting about AJ Pierzynski.

Suck-Ass Performance of the Game: Kevin Slowey (3.0 innings pitched, 9 hits, 1 home run, 5 earned runs)