Chris Herrmann wasn’t even supposed to play, but his grand slam in the tenth inning proved to be the knockout punch the Twins needed to beat the Angels, 10-3 Tuesday night at Angels Stadium.
The Twins scored seven runs in the tenth inning that featured an RBI double from Ryan Doumit — the game-winner, technically — and a two-run homer from Pedro Florimon.
Herrmann started in place of catcher Joe Mauer, who was scratched before the game to be with his wife, Maddie, who went into labor with twins on the way. Herrmann finished 3-5 at the plate with 4 RBI.
Minnesota led 3-2 in the ninth until All-Star closer Glen Perkins walked three batters, including Erik Aybar with the bases loaded to tie the game, 3-all.
Kyle Gibson started for the Twins and was outstanding. The only damage against him came via solo home runs in the fourth inning by Albert Pujols and Mark Trumbo.
Gibson (3-2) allowed two runs on five hits, one walk and four strikeouts.
Trailing 2-1, the Twins came back to tie the game on an RBI groundout by Pedro Florimon in the seventh, and took the lead in the eighth when Doumit’s first double of the game drove in Justin Morneau.
It’s Perkins’ third blown save in 27 chances this season.
Note: Joe Mauer was scratched before the game because he left L.A. to be with his wife, whose water broke. The couple is expecting twins.
