From Small Ball to Long Ball

One night after manufacturing runs and a strong pitching performance from Nick Blackburn, the Twins flexed their muscle and used the old “Johnny Wholestaff” to oust the White Sox 8-6 to give manager Ron Gardenhire his 700th career win and remain 2.5 out in the AL Central. Minnesota jumped out to a three-run, first inning lead thanks to a two-run homer from the OC and sacrifice fly from the DY, and later used solo shots from Michael Cuddyer, Matt Tolbert and Jason Kubel to power its way out of a 5-5 tie, while Gardenhire handed the ball to six different pitchers to keep Ozzie’s boys at bay. Cuddy’s shot, his 29th, increases his already career-best total, and leaves his one big fly...