In a game that mostly mirrored that of the night before, the Twins used solid starting pitching, impeccable relief and a little small ball to topple the Indians 3-2 Saturday evening at Target Field.
The Twins cooled Cleveland, the hottest AL team going into the All-Star break, by taking its second of a three-game series. The victory is Minnesota’s fourth in a row, including two before the break.
Fans saw a pitchers’ duel into the 6th inning, until Jason Kipnis belted a two-run homer for the Indians of Kevin Correia. Still, it was an admirable performance by Correia, who hadn’t won in nearly a month, going six innings, giving up two runs on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.
The Twins crept back in the bottom of the inning, when Ryan Doumit knocked in a run and scored the eventual game-winner after the Twins used a fielder’s choice, a single and an error to take the lead for good. Chris Colabello had his first major league RBI, and Clete Thomas added another in the inning.
The Twins bullpen continues to shine, with Brian Duensing, Jared Burton and Casey Fein pitching scoreless relief in a tight game. Closer Glen Perkins gave up a 9th inning single to Nick Swisher, but earned his 23rd save in 25 tries this season.
Perkins has not allowed a run in his last 18 appearances.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire fell ill during the game, but bench coach Terry Steinbach, handling the post-game presser, said it’s just a case of stomach flu.
Twins lefty Scott Diamond goes against Cleveland’s Justin Masterson as the Twins look to sweep the series Sunday afternoon at Target Field.
