Joe Mauer returned to the Twins lineup with a clutch two-run single to in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Twins to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros, on Monday.
Mauer, who was 2-for-4 on the night, came to the plate with two out in the eighth and runners on first and second when he singled to left field. His single brought Jordan Schaefer to score, and Brian Dozier raced home when Astros’ outfielder Domingo Santana didn’t throw the ball back into the infield.
Mauer wasn’t done with the big plays yet though.
With a runner on base, Gregorio Petit hit dribbler in front of the plate, down the third base line. Glen Perkins rushed the throw, but Mauer made a big scoop at first to record the out, and stop the runner from advancing.
And now Joe Mauer makes a great play at first base to keep things from getting ugly against Glen Perkins. Helluva first game back. #BooMauer
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) August 12, 2014
Brian Duensing (3-2) pitched two-thirds of an inning to pick up the win, he was on in relief of Tommy Milone, who made his first start in a Twins uniform. Milone gave the Twins a solid start, he allowed two runs on eight hits while striking out five. Both runs Milone gave up came on solo home runs.
Perkins picked up his 29th save by closing out the game in the ninth.
Danny Santana was 3-for-5 with a run scored, Eduardo Escobar was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a run scored.
Yohan Pino (1-4) is on the mound on Tuesday for the Twins against Houston’s Collin McHugh.
- After the game it was confirmed that the Twins promoted outfield prospect Byron Buxton to Class AA New Britain.
CONFIRMED: The #MNTwins have promoted prospect Byron Buxton to Double-A @RockCats
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) August 12, 2014
