Twins and Johnson Burnt by the Long Ball

On Friday night, the Minnesota Twins were looking to extend their winning streak to four games.  On the heels of three solid wins, with strong pitching performances, the Twins ran into a buzz saw on Friday night at Coors Field.  Known for the way the ball flies out of the park, the Rockies made sure to use the long ball against the Twins.

The Rockies broke open the scoring against Minnesota Twins starter Kris Johnson in the bottom of the first inning.  After a Charlie Blackmon single, Drew Stubbs deposited a pitch low in the strike zone, over the center field wall.

The Twins quickly answered with their next at bat.  Trevor Plouffe led off the second inning with a double, and later scored on an Eduardo Nunez groundout to Justin Morneau.  The Twins went into the bottom of the second looking at a manageable one run deficit, trailing 2-1.

Colorado didn’t wait long to strike again.  Newly reinstated third basemen, Nolan Arenado, tripled to lead off the bottom of the second for the Rockies.  Minnesota Twins center fielder, Sam Fuld, hesitated just enough on getting to the ball, and Arenado stretched the base hit to third.  Wilin Rosario then singled to drive in Arenado and put the Rockies up 3-1.

Again in the bottom of the third, National League Home Run Derby captain, Troy Tulowitzki, went deep to right and in doing so brought in teammate Carlos Gonzalez.  Going the other way with the home run, it looks as if Tulo is prepping to be able to spread the ball to all fields during the Derby at Target Field.

Now down 5-1, the Twins went down in order in the top of the fifth inning.

Brandon Barnes once again utilized the long ball for the Rockies, taking Minnesota Twins relieve Matt Geurrier deep to left.  Now up 6-1, the Rockies found themselves comfortably in the driver’s seat.

Minnesota’s last effort came in the top of the 8th inning.  After Plouffe and Oswaldo Arcia singles, Eduardo Nunez then drove in his second run of the game on a fielder’s choice to Tulowitzki, scoring Plouffe.  The Twins went into the bottom of the 8th inning trailing 6-2 and watched as that was how it would end.

You can find tonight’s complete box score here.

Tomorrow the Twins will look to rebound and get back into the win column.  First pitch tomorrow is scheduled for 3:10pm central time and will feature Kevin Correia going for the Twins, and he will face Tyler Matzek of the Rockies.