162-0... That Dream Is Over

Well, the Twins aren’t going 162-0. Losing opening day isn’t the worst feeling in the world, but it sure isn’t the greatest either. While there are a lot of games to go and the Twins still have a lot of ball to play, today’s opening day disaster against Baltimore had a special way to feel...deflating.

Carl Pavano pitched an average game, giving up 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 strike out while allowing 4 runs over the course of the day. That’s about what you can expect from Pavano every start so we can’t complain with that line. Ideally Pavano will tone that average down to 3 – but there’s no reason to expect Pavano to be the Justin Verlander of this team. It’s not happening.

There ARE some things that are slightly concerning to me, however. For example, the Twins continued last season’s “talent” of leaving runners on base. Twice the Twins had two runners on with a chance to bring something home (4^th and 8^th) and twice they ended the inning without advancing anyone to home plate.

The Offense:

Willingham redeemed things slightly with his 2 run blast in the 9th. (Offense! It does exist!!) The offense began to follow suit with singles from Valencia & Parmelee, but the rally was cut short when Plouffe grounded out to end the game.

The Defense:

Doumit’s “How do you miss that catch?” non-catch in right was the only defensive blooper from the Twins.

 After pinch hitting for Casilla (Burroughs) in the 8^th, Gardy pulled the first head scratcher of the season by plugging Plouffe in at 2B…the same Plouffe who was a defensive nightmare in the infield last season. Luckily, the ball never came his way as Duensing took care of business via strikeouts to get the Twins out of the bottom of the eighth.

When Plouffe is our DEFENSIVE replacement in the late innings, I begin to grow concerned.

The Recap:

There’s not much else to recap. Meek offensive showing, average pitching and one bad defensive play equal a 4-2 Twins loss. Here’s hoping the Twins can find their offense and Liriano can hold the O’s bats quiet tomorrow night.

There’s still a chance to go 161-1. Go Twins.

MVP: Josh Willingham 2-4 (1 HR)
LVP: Ryan Doumit 0-4 & 1 poorly played flyball
Tomorrow's Starters: Liriano Vs. Hunter