Another game postponed; Twins win series

Apr 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau hits a RBI double during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

An offense fans have been waiting to see click for two weeks and it finally happened. The Twins took the first two games from the Angels at Target Field before the finale was postponed due to inclement winter weather (Can’t believe I typed that, again).

REVIEW

Apr 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Kevin Correia delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Correia gave another strong outing in the first game, giving up only 2 runs on 8 hits with 5 strikeouts through 7 innings. Joe Mauer had a big night at the plate, going 4-5 with a HR and 3 RBI. Trevor Plouffe also homered to help the Twins rout the Angels 8-2. Oswaldo Arcia made his Twins and MLB debut, going 1-for-3. You can read more about game 1 here.

The Angels bats finally came alive in Game 2 against Mike Pelfrey, but the Twins offense again made things happen. Lead by a second straight 4-5 performance from Mauer, Minnesota equaled their run total from the night before at 8. The biggest star of the game, in my opinion, would be Anthony Swarzak, who relieved Pelfrey in the top of the 6th and held the Angels scoreless until he gave up 2 runs in the 9th. Closer Glen Perkins recorded the final 2 outs for the save, securing the series win for Minnesota.

THOUGHTS

Kevin Correia

. Holy crap. All three of his starts he’s thrown the ball well. In fact, he’s thrown 7 innings in those 3 starts; the only Twins pitcher to do so. He’s throwing strikes, and has only walked 3 batters in that time span. Most in the Twins community criticized the signing, but so far Terry Ryan looks like a genius. Great job to Correia, I’m still not convinced though. (Please continue to convince me, Kevin).

Apr 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer hits a single during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. The Twins defeated the Angels 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

While Correia has only issued 3 walks this season, Joe Mauer has only walked 3 times through 60 plate appearances. Not to worry, he’s still taking good at-bats. Mauer is now hitting .386 on the season, thanks to two 4-5 performances on back-t0-back nights. He’s pretty good at baseball.

Swarzak has just been solid in the bullpen. There hasn’t been much talk of it, but I wonder if he gets a chance to start at some point.

Oswaldo Arcia was called up Monday, sent down after the game, and recalled Tuesday night when Darin Mastroianni was placed on the DL. I love his aggressive approach to the plate, but it’s only a matter of time before opposing pitchers scout that out. I’m not the biggest fan of Chris Parmelee, and I hope Arcia shows Twins brass he should stay with the club and in the lineup.

Through 13 games, Pedro Florimon has a team-leading on-base percentage of .484. That didn’t stop Ron Gardenhire from batting Brian Dozier lead-off after moving Aaron Hicks down in the order. Dozier has a .279 OBP this season with a career .272 mark. Dozier went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored; we’ll probably see Dozier stick at lead-off through the next series.

Aaron Hicks didn’t strike out in either game, but didn’t record a hit either. I applaud the Twins effort to stick with him in the lineup. They don’t have any other options, especially with Mastrioanni on the DL now. But, at a .044 clip through 45 at-bats, could anyone be much worse?

UP NEXT

The Twins (6-7) travel to US Cellular Field for a three game series against the White Sox (7-9).

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