It wasn’t a sweep and it wasn’t a series win, it was merely a four-game split with the Texas Rangers. That’s good enough for the Twins to keep their heads above water, but not good enough for the club to gain any ground on the Cleveland Indians.
But at least they won on Sunday and came from behind to do so. Despite giving up five runs in the first inning, Jose Berrios improved to 10-5 after he surrendered no runs after that through five innings. He was backed by three home runs from Brian Dozier, Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario. Reliever Matt Belisle, who is now part of the Twins’ bullpen by committee after Brandon Kintzler was traded, picked up the save. The Twins won, 6-5.
Ervin Santana gets the ball on Monday versus the Milwaukee Brewers.
Extra innings…
-Forty-four year old Bartolo Colon beat the Rangers 8-4 on Friday after he went the distance to earn the 37th complete game of his career. He is the oldest pitcher to pitch a complete game since 47-year-old Jamie Moyer did it in 2010. It also was win No. 236 for Colon, tying him with Whitey Ford of the New York Yankees. His pitching line on Friday: Nine innings, nine hits, four runs, all earned, with one walk and five strikeouts.
-In case you were wondering if Falvey & Co. really are in charge of the front office in Minnesota, the Strib reports that they have fired four scouts, including one responsible for signing Joe Mauer and closer Glen Perkins.
-Speaking of Perkins, Twins fans could soon see him return after 16 months on the sidelines due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. If his next rehab stint goes well, he could rejoin the team in 10 days.
-Former major league pitcher Dillon Gee, who was signed by the Twins to a minor league contract this year, made an appearance in Thursday’s loss to the Rangers. Gee struck out four in three innings of work.