Ron Gardenhire's Twins were defeated for the seventh time in their last eight games on Wednesday afternoon in Oakland. Starter Tommy Milone carved up Minnesota hitters in what can only be described as a "thorough" 5-1 Athletics victory.
The 25-year-old Milone entered the day with a 9-9 record and a number of problematic starts in his rear view mirror, but yielded just two hits over eight innings of one-run ball to pick up a well-earned victory. Milone also chipped in five strikeouts compared to just one walk, and was beaten solely on a fielder's choice RBI groundout by Twins catcher Drew Butera that scored designated hitter Ryan Doumit.
Minnesota hurler Liam Hendriks once again fell short in his bid to pick up a victory in 2012, as the struggling right-hander was never able recover from allowing a two-run single to Yoenis Cespedes in the third inning.
Next up for the Twins on their brutal AL West road trip is a Thursday meeting with the Texas Rangers to kick off a four-game set. Scott Diamond, who is unquestionably Gardenhire's most consistent pitcher at the moment, will take the ball in game one.
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