In yet another pitcher’s duel, Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander went 8.0 innings and Ervin Santana went 7.0, and the score held at 1-1 until the top of the ninth inning when Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario hit two-out homers off of Francisco Rodriguez to put the game away.
“Emotions got the better of me,” rookie Max Kepler, who pointed to the dugout when he hit his solo shot, told the Pioneer Press. “I usually don’t pimp stuff that much, but I was excited.”
The Twins scored first on a Joe Mauer homer in the first, but Justin Upton hit one of his own in the bottom frame to tie the score. Minnesota held the Tigers to four runs in the series — starters Ricky Nolasco, Tommy Milone and Santana had a 1.69 ERA.
“You look at all the guys’ track records and it was a rough half-season,” catcher Kurt Suzuki told the Star Tribune. “I think this is a good sign that things have turned around a little bit and guys can finish up strong.”
The series win comes in the wake of news that general manager Terry Ryan had be relieved of his duties.
“I think it’s been emotional,” manager Paul Molitor told the Pioneer Press. “That’s going to continue as we continue to find ways to digest what’s transpired. I’m pleased. I think that was a nice rebound considering the way we lost the first game and what happened on that day.”
[Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Associated Press]
