Clete Thomas doubled and homered off L.A.’s Joe Blanton (2-13) while also starring defensively, and Sam Deduno scattered four Angel hits over seven strong innings in the Twins’ series-opening 4-3 win over the Angels last night in Anaheim.
Blanton heard boos from the home crowd after he allowed six straight runners to reach in the Twins fourth. Angels manager Mike Sciosia came and took the ball from Blanton as he shook his head leaving the field, unable to make it through four for the first time this year.
He picked up his major league high 13th loss of the season, as his title of free-agent bust continues to be solidified after signing a two-year, $15 million deal with L.A. this offseason.
Sam Deduno (6-4) put up yet another solid outing for manager Ron Gardenhire, as he picked up his sixth win of the season, giving the Twins their fifth win in their last six games.
Deduno’s control issues reared their ugly head throughout as he walked a season-high five batters, but he counteracted that by giving up only four hits, tying his season low. He’s gone at least six full innings each of his last six starts.
Minnesota found themselves in trouble in the eighth, as setup man Casey Fien gave up two hits before being lifted for closer Glen Perkins with two out in a two-run game.
Perkins gave up an RBI single to pinch hitter Collin Cowgill, and pinch hitter Chris Iannetta looked like he had taken Perkins out of the yard to give the Angels a two-run lead.
But having already gone deep himself and driving in two, Clete Thomas claimed the night — reaching up at the wall and turning disaster to Angel despair, bringing back the would-be three run bomb.
Perkins worked a tension-filled ninth, putting on two in the final frame, before recording his 24th save of the year.
The Twins and Angels resume their series tonight with Kyle Gibson taking the mound for Minnesota, and Tommy Hanson making his first start off the disabled list for L.A. at 9:05 p.m.
