Jim Thome Gets a Night Off, Rest of Minnesota Twins Lineup Follows Suit

Jim Thome has a slight abdominal strain, so Ron Gardenhire gave him the night off.

Apparently, the rest of the Twins lineup weren't up for playing either. They managed only three hits and a walk in a very fast game against Fausto Carmona and the Cleveland Indians.

Carl Pavano pitched eight solid innings for the Twins, allowing six hits, two runs, one walk, and striking out three.  He gave up a solo home run to the Indians first basemen Matt LaPorta in the the bottom of the second inning and later gave up a run in the fourth inning after giving up a single to Jason Donald followed by a double by Lou Marson. Donald was held at third on the play. After getting the first out of the inning against Michael Brantley, Asdrubal Cabrera followed with a sacrifice fly to left field.

The only real threat the Twins were able to muster during the games was a two out triple by Denard Span in the top of the third.  Up strode Orlando Hudson who quickly lined out to the third basemen to end the inning and only possible scoring chance the Twins saw all night.

Carmona pitched well all night, striking out seven while giving up only one walk and no runs.  He commanded his pitches well, working both inside and outside, up and down at will, as well as changing speeds and keeping the Twins hitters guessing.

On a night with the Twins going into play with a six game lead in the American League Central one would expect much better play, especially after having the day off prior to playing.

Maybe the Twins just wanted to watch the team that is chasing them in the AL Central, instead of watching a scoreboard tonight.

As of this articles publishing the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals are tied at one in the top of the fifth.  They are playing at U.S. Cellular Field on the south side of Chicago.