Twins Sweep White Sox

The Twins continue to hang in the balance as they swept a 3 game series against the White Sox at home.

Jun 20, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Arcia and Thomas celebrate beating the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. (Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

REVIEW

The Twins had big hits with a Joe Mauer home run and clutch go-ahead double off the bat of Ryan Doumit in the series opener. Mike Pelfrey pitched okay, allowing 4 runs on 10 hits with no walks and 3 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched. Glen Perkins picked up the save.

Game 2 was put away early, with home runs coming off the bats of Brian Dozier and Justin Morneau. Dozier’s was a 3 run shot in the 2nd, while Morneau’s was a 2 run no doubter in the 6th.   Kevin Correia continued to pitch well with 7 strong innings.

Home runs from Oswaldo Arcia, Eduardo Escobar, Clete Thomas and Brian Dozier helped lead the Twins to an 8-4 win, securing the sweep. Scott Diamond improved to 5-6 with 5.1 innings pitched.

THOUGHTS

• Although he has an ERA of 6.11, Mike Pelfrey hasn’t been all that bad lately. After starting with a 6.66 ERA through the first two months, he has posted a 4.66 in June. Most impressively was walking zero batters in his latest start against the Sox. It’s simple: walk batters, more runs are likely to score.
• Even more impressive than Pelfrey is Kevin Correia, who now holds a 3.87 ERA through the first 2 1/2 months of the season. Seriously.

• Clete Thomas has filled in nicely in Aaron Hicks‘s absence.  While he may not have as much range defensively, it’s nice to see Clubbin’ Clete, who hit .149 in limited action a year ago, hit .286. He’s made solid contact, including this blast on Sunday.
• Morneau’s home run in Game 2 was only his 3rd of the season and first since April 28, ending the longest home run drought of his career. It also ties him with Kirby Puckett for 5th on the all-time Twins leaderboard with 207 home runs. The best part? The way his teammates reacted to him when he reached the dugout. Check it out here. Classic.
• The Twins have a hidden gem in their ballboy. No ball shall ever strike a fan.

UP NEXT

The Twins (33-36) travel to Cleveland for a weekend series against the Indians (36-35) at Progressive Field.THINGS TO WATCH:

1. At 3-1 with a 3.26 ERA, Samuel Deduno is off to a nice start for Minnesota. The Indians have a dangerous offense; Deduno starts Game 1 of the series tonight.

2. Will Justin Morneau homer? Can we hashtag that?