Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had a panicked question for bench coach Steve Liddle in the 12th inning Tuesday night, as he watched Alexi Casilla stroll to home plate against Tigers closer Fernando Rodney.
“He’s got numbers off this guy, right?” Gardenhire barked.
“Yes,” Liddle assured him, “He’s 3-for-5.”
Never mind Casilla’s .202 season batting average. It had been that kind of night. Decisions made on the fly. Little ones, big ones, with nothing but the entire season on the line.
One of the finest baseball games I’ve ever seen. I’ll will be praying hard for the return of professional baseball in Pittsburgh’s PNC Park – which may not be possible since the Pirates have achieved the dubious distinction of having 17 consecutive losing seasons.
I, my two older sons along with my father, went to this game. We drove about 900 miles that day to watch that game and it was worth every mile! My oldest son was wearing his Gomez t-shirt and wanted to cover it up after his first at-bat. That changed a few innings later!
Go Twins!!
John Floberg – Bismarck, North Dakota