Date: 8/8/10

Opponent: Cleveland Indians

Home/Away: Away

Starting Pitcher: Duensing

Final Score: W 5-4

Record: 63-49

Recap: That game really didn't start out the best, but I've got to admit I'm pretty impressed that Duensing settled down and pitched into the 8th inning. The first few innings the Indians were just hitting everything he threw right on the button, and I expected it to turn into one of those trademark Nick Blackburn type starts where the bleeding never stopped. But Duensing never fell apart, and he improved as the game went on, eventually making it through 7.1 innings.

The offense was looking pretty feeble at first, especially since we were down 4 runs immediately. But we finally got things going in the 5th. Cuddyer walked, and then Thome hit another homer for our first 2 runs. Then after Hardy and Repko reached, Hudson delivered a 2-run double to tie the game. The go-ahead run scored after Skinny Delmon hit into a fielder's choice with men on 1st and 3rd. The 3rd baseman bobbled the ball, and only got 1 out which allowed Hudson to score. It was the only inning we scored any runs, but it was enough. I believe 4 of our 6 hits came in that inning.

So we got the series win in Cleveland, and now with the White Sox losing on Monday we are tied for first place and have a chance to be at the top of the division all by ourselves soon.

Best Moment: Thome's home run, which started the Twins rally in the 5th.

Most Questionable Moment: I can't think of anything.

Worst Moment: The beginning of the game.

Quotations of the Day:

• "Really? That's kind of weak." - Brian Duensing, being told that he pitched a career-high 7.1 innings.
• "It was a great performance by him to hang in there." - Ron Gardenhire
• "That was a gutty performance." - Ron Gardenhire, on Duensing. "Gutty"? Does he mean "Gutsy"?

Suck-Ass Performance of the Game: Jason Kubel (0 for 4, 1 strikeout, 1 left on base)