The Minnesota Twins pulled the rug right out from underneath an unsuspecting Cincinnati Reds squad on Sunday afternoon, as outfielder Josh Willingham came through with a game-winning ninth inning home run to give his team a series victory in exciting fashion.
Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman entered in the top of the ninth inning with a chance to record the save after a gem from starter Mike Leake, but gave up a quick hit to Denard Span before Willingham's monster blast turned the tide. The blown save was Chapman's fourth of the season, and marked the 15th longball of the year for the streaking left fielder.
Twins starter Scott Diamond once again turned in a strong performance when his team needed it most, going eight innings of three-run ball to lower his 2012 ERA down to 2.67. The now 6-3 Diamond also set a career-high with seven strikeouts, and looks fully poised for a huge second half of the year after joining the rotation in early May.
Next up for the Twins is a three-game divisional series against the Chicago White Sox that opens on Monday from U.S. Cellular Field.
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