Twins take series opener vs Tigers

    As they have been doing all-season long, the Minnesota Twins started their attack early at Target Field Monday night in their 7-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.  The fire started quickly for the Twins, scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st ignited by Aaron Hicks lead-off single.  Six of the first eight batters reached base safely for Minnesota, including doubles by Trevor Plouffe and Joe Mauer.   Mauer laced two singles in the 2nd and 3rd innings, where he’d wrap up his hit total at three for the night, but extended his streak of consecutive games reaching base to 34 games .  The rest of the Twins compiled for an additional 10 hits on the night, including Eduardo Escobar’s solo shot with two outs in the bottom of the fourth.  (featured below)

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      Tyler Duffey (3-1), featured at the top, received the win , allowing only one run on seven hits in 6 1-3 innings of work.  Another quality start for the promising rookie right-hander.  Kyle Lobstein (3-8) recorded the loss for Detroit, completing only 1 1-3 innings on the hill while allowing six earned runs.  

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     Unfortunately for all you Twins fans out there, the Texas Rangers also came up with the win, sustaining their one game lead over the Twins in the highly contested American League Wild Card race.  Minnesota continues their series against Detroit Tuesday @7:10pm.  Phil Hughes (10-8) will get the start for Minnesota against Alfredo Simon (12-9).

     God Bless and Go Twins.