Andrew Albers came within two outs of pitching a complete game shutout in his Major League debut.
The lefty from Canada allowed just four hits as he cruised through 8 1/3 innings to lead the Twins over the Royals, 7-0 Tuesday night in Kansas City.
Albers gave up a single and a walk in the ninth and was pulled by Ron Gardenhire. It was his only walk to go along with a pair of strikeouts and 109 pitches. FOX Sports North announcers Dick Bremer and Bert Blyleven questioned the move, as did some fans and media members.
Come on Gardy. One more batter.
— Ben Collin (@bennyc50) August 7, 2013
I understand why Gardy took Alberts out. Gotta save him for the playoffs.
— Jim Souhan (@SouhanStrib) August 7, 2013
Don’t know who Albers is? Seth Stohs interviewed him about a year ago. The interview is here.
The last complete game by a Twins pitcher was Liam Hendriks in August of 2012.
Albers' 8 1/3 innings is Twins' longest start of year; only Kevin Correia had gone 8 innings. Counting AAA, it's his 3rd straight CG.
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) August 7, 2013
Brian Dozier started the game with a lead-off home run, which was followed by a two-run shot from Justin Morneau just two batters later.
Chris Colabello also homered in the game.
Albers received a Gatorade bath before his postgame interview.
Of course they got him. #AndrewAlbers #MNTwins win! pic.twitter.com/Ra2VNN1633
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) August 7, 2013
