Twins at Angels Game 1 Opening Day

The Minnesota Twins played hard yesterday in the first game of the season, but in the end, a loss was recorded. The Twins were very close until the 8th inning, when Mijares gave up back to back home runs to start the inning. Pat Neshek came in though and pitched great getting the Twins out of the inning. The Twins could not come back in the 9th against Brian Fuentes, losing the game 6-3. There were a couple key opportunities for the Twins, one in the 6th inning and one in the 7th. Both times the bases were loaded with 2 outs. Both times, the Twins could not score.

Most trouble at the plate: Denard Span. Span had a lot of trouble, going 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. He looked lost at the plate all night. Hopefully he can come back today with a better performance.

Hottest hitter at the plate: Delmon Young. Young went 2-4 with a home run. If this kind of performance continues throughout the rest of the season, the Twins will be quite pleased.

How did the starter do? Scott Baker was unable to get through 5 innings, giving up four runs in 4.2 innings. He struggled early, as it looked like he couldn't find the plate. Throwing 31 pitches after only the first inning isn't a great way to start the game. Baker gave up 5 hits and 3 walks while getting 3 strikeouts.

Here is the box score, followed by a recap of some of the highlight innings:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
MIN (0-1)	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0		3	7	0
ANA (1-0)	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	x		6	9	0

Minnesota	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Span, CF	5	0	0	0	0	3	1	.000
Hudson, O, 2B	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.333
Mauer, C	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.250
Morneau, 1B	3	1	1	0	1	1	3	.333
Cuddyer, RF	3	0	1	0	1	1	1	.333
Kubel, DH	3	0	0	0	1	1	2	.000
Young, D, LF	4	2	2	2	0	0	4	.500
Hardy, SS	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.250
Punto, 3B	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	.000
a-Thome, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Harris, B, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000

Minnesota	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Baker, S(L, 0-1)	4.2	5	4	4	3	3	1	7.71
Crain	1.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Mijares, Jo	0.2	3	2	2	0	0	2	27.00
Neshek	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

Bottom of 1st: Nothing was hit well, but Baker gave up 2 runs in 31 pitches.

Top of 2nd: 2-run home run was hit by Delmon Young. It was a fantastic swing with the ball right on the inside of the plate. He drilled the ball into the left field stands.

Bottom of 2nd: Scott Baker gave up a solo home run to Jeff Mathis to straight away center.

Top of 3rd: Hudson shot a ball off the top of the center field wall for a 2-out double. Mauer struck out after though to end the inning

Top of 5th: Delmon Young gets on base, steals second, moved to third by Hardy, then sac fly by Nick Punto to bring him in.

Bottom of 5th: 1 run was scored off of Baker. He then leaves the game for Jesse Crain who finished the inning.

Top of 6th: Delmon Young hit a lazy fly ball to left with the bases loaded and 2 outs.

Top of 7th: Morneau hit a line drive out to the first baseman with the bases loaded and 2 outs.

Top of 8th: Fernando Rodney comes in throwing wild, walking Cuddyer. The Inning ended quickly after that though after Kubel popped up on a hitters count.

Bottom of 8th: Mijares gave up back to back home runs. He was then replaced by Pat Neshek who did outstanding.

The starter for game 2 is Nick Blackburn. Blackburn likes the big games, here is a big one early in the season.

Box Score and logos are from mlb.com