Twins Lose Again

Sadly, it was more of the same. No offense. Some games you get a little, you just can't string it together in an inning. Not tonight. And, AGAIN, when a guy gets on base, the guy behind him manages to hit a double play ball. (Editor's note: I started typing before the game was over and orignially included this line: Oddly enough, Mauer didn't contribute to any double plays tonight.
It turns out that Mauer ends the game pinch-hitting, grounding into a double play.)

Enough with the negative, let's look at the positive. Three stars:
Nick Blackburn was amazing: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 SO, 86 pitches. I don't know a lot of rookies that come in and fan Guerrero multiple times. Yes, it's a small sample, but much better than Bonser's small sample last night. A few more games like this and Blackburn will probably stay in the rotation.

Matt Tolbert: Another rookie making his first start, he didn't disappoint. He got his first career hit early, played decently in the field and took a leadoff walk against K-Rod to start the 9th. Not a bad way to start.

Little Nicky Punto: I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a huge Punto fan. However, I could grow to appreciate him off of the bench and as a defensive replacement. And getting a hit, well, that's just icing on the cake.

Be back in a little to weigh in on the NCAA games on Saturday.