Twins-Rangers: Minnesota Bats Explode

When the game reached the fourth inning, the Twins got to work. Livan Hernandez settled down into a nice groove, and the Twins’ bats awakened for 13 runs over the course of the next four innings.

Every single starter reached base in some form, and six different players had at least two hits.

Livan allowed a two-run home run in the second inning after retiring the first two batters. After that moment, Hernandez really settled down and rolled through seven innings. He continued his Dome dominance with his eighth win at home this season.

Offensively, the Twins scored a one run and recorded one hit through the first three innings and that came on a solo homerun off the bat of Joe Mauer.

When the fourth inning rolled around, it was clear that the Twins had finally figured out Texas starter Matt Harrison. The Twins scored two in the fourth, three in the fifth, six in the sixth and then two in the seventh.

There wasn’t just one or even a few players that made things happen. Every starter reached base on the night. They all had at least one hit with the exception of Brendan Harris.

Justin Morneau collected five RBI on the night with a three-run double and a two-run home run. Delmon Young collected three more hits, including a 432-foot home run into deep center field (he‘s hitting .299).

Brian Buscher put one over the baggy in the seventh for a two-run home run, and youngsters Span, Gomez, and Casilla went a combined 5-for-13 with three extra-base hits and a whole lot of hustle.

It was a great night to watch Twins baseball, and it was a lot better thanks to the Kansas City Royals.

If the Twins can complete the sweep tomorrow at the Dome and the Royals can win the series in Chicago, the Twins will stand in first place come Monday.