And the hits just keep on coming for Minnesota, just not the ones they need when they’re, you know, batting during the game. Friday’s game against the Brewers has been a microcosm of the Twins’ season to this point. Decent starting pitching wrapped around an inconsistent bullpen and poor hitting, resulting in a close loss.
On top of that, All Star first baseman Justin Morneau will be out another 4-6 weeks for surgery to repair a herniated disk in his neck, and relief pitcher Jose Mijares called out C Joe Mauer for how he called the Prince Fielder at bat.
Mijares was miffed that Mauer called all fastballs, and Mauer was apparently miffed that Mijares couldn’t get it over the plate, as Mijares ran the count to 3-0, then 3-2, then threw a fastball right over the middle, which Fielder drilled into the right field corner, scoring what proved to be the winning runs.
When asked about the Fielder at bat, Mauer said “I didn’t call for a fastball down the middle.”
Ouch.
The Twins need to put that turmoil behind them as they face one of the National League’s better lefties in Yovanni Gallardo, who was drilled in his last outing against Milwaukee.
For the Twins, an ever improving Francisco Liriano takes the mound. Over his last 7 starts, Liriano is 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA, and a no-hitter.
First pitch from Miller Park in Milwaukee is at 6:10 CST.