Brian Dozier knocked in the tying run and scored the winning run one night after he hit a walk-off single as the Twins beat the Astros 6-4 at Target Field Saturday night. Ryan Doumit got the game-winning RBI.
And as with the previous night, Minnesota relievers shut down Houston, with Anthony Swarzak, Brian Duensing, Casey Fien and Glen Perkins pitching scoreless relief – the bullpen only allowed two base runners over six innings.
Of course, the reason the bullpen is so crucial is because the team’s starting pitching is so futile. Kyle Gibson tried to make a “bounce-back” start, but only lasted three innings while giving up four runs on nine hits.
Joe Mauer batted in Dozier to even the score at one in the 1st inning. And in the second, Doug Bernier singled in Oswaldo Arcia.
Then things fell apart quickly for Gibson, giving up three in a home run and two singles.
But the Twins clawed back in the bottom of the 7th inning, with Clete Thomas getting a big lead-off double.
Then Dozier doubled in Thomas, Ryan Doumit singled in Dozier, and Oswaldo Arcia garnered a walk with the bases loaded to score Mauer.
Dozier is red hot. He also tripled – a rarity for the 2013 Twins – to start the game and went 2-for-4. He leads the team in batting with runners in scoring position. Dozier also has a career-high 10-game hitting streak
Brian Duensing earned the win and Glen Perkins – a little shaky of late – notched his 26th save of the season.
Brett Wallace hit a solo home run for the Astros, who have lost eight of their last 10.
Houston left eight men on base while Minnesota stranded seven, according to the Sports Network.
The Twins are happy that the Astros are playing their first season in the American League, apparently, going up in the series 2-0 after being embarrassed in a homes series against Kansas City. Twins go for a sweep Sunday afternoon at Target Field.
