Twins lose 2 of 3 to Detroit; 1-0 in May

May 1, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau (33) hits an RBI double in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins’ Mike Pelfrey labored through the first game, before giving up a 3-run home run to Prince Fielder in the bottom of the 6th inning, proving to be the blow to Minnesota as they lost 4-3.

Game 2 was over from the start, as the Twins have not beaten Justin Verlander in the past 2 seasons. Vance Worley started the contest; while he is seeking his first win of the season, doing it against Verlander is a tough order.

The Twins were able to get things going all around in the series finale. Scott Diamond pitched another impressive outing, holding Detroit hitless until the 5th inning. Chris Parmelee had a big day, going 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI, helping Minnesota to a 6-2 win to put the club back at .500.

THOUGHTS

• I’ve used a lot of space here to talk about Aaron Hicks. And I probably won’t stop any time soon. He’s been hitting more consistently, getting on base and taking better at-bats. He’s 6 for his last 22, good for a .273 avg. He’s also had two extra base hits in that frame, including a 7th inning lead off triple in Sunday’s win over Detroit. It was nice to finally see him showcase how quickly he can get to third base.
• Justin Morneau looks like he is trying to put the ball over the fence a LOT early this season. But in the Detroit series, he looks like he’s putting better swings on the ball. His game on Sunday shows that, with a first inning double down the left field line and then a bases loaded bloop in short left-center in the 7th. He’s hitting .313 over the past week.
• Mike Pelfrey looked like he was going to deliver a quality outing until the Prince Fielder HR in game 1. I have to agree with Ron Gardenhire. “For the most part, he mixed his pitches in and out and did a nice job,” Gardenhire said. “You’re talking about a guy that’s missed a year of baseball, coming back from an elbow surgery. It’s a process. It doesn’t just happen overnight. He needs innings and the only way you’re going to get innings is by pitching like that.” Pelfrey just needs to command his pitches better, and he may be a guy who gets better as the season progresses. At least I hope so.

Joe Mauer had the day off on Sunday, and deservedly so considering the terrible slump he’s been enduring, going 3 for his last 34. Let’s hope 2 days of rest helps Mauer start hitting like Mauer.

UP NEXT:

The Twins (12-12) travel to Progressive Field for a weekend series against the Indians (12-13). It is the first meeting of what should be plenty of fun games to watch this season, as I compared the two clubs here.