Sep 18, 2007, 4:02 GMT
Minneapolis, MN - Ian Kinsler's fielding error on Jason Bartlett's popup allowed Lew Ford to score the winning run in the ninth, as Minnesota downed Texas, 5-4, at the Metrodome.
Michael Cuddyer's solo home run to start the bottom of the ninth off Joaquin Benoit (7-4) tied the game at four before Ford walked and moved to second on Brian Buscher's sacrifice bunt.
'You need to know what to throw in what situation, and I just picked the wrong pitch at the wrong time,' said Benoit.
Bartlett then hit a grounder that Kinsler booted, allowing Ford to scamper home for the victory, snapping Minnesota's four-game losing streak. Joe Mauer also homered in the victory.
Joe Nathan (4-2) gave up one run in the top of the ninth but still picked up the victory. Kevin Slowey started on the hill for the Twins, giving up one run on four hits with seven strikeouts.
'Professionals come to the yard and continue to play until that last out,' said Nathan. 'Win a game like that, and for me to give up a run and get a win is pretty nice.'
Travis Metcalf homered, doubled and scored twice for Texas, which has lost six of seven. Edison Volquez started for the Rangers, surrendering two runs -- one earned -- on five hits with six strikeouts and one walk.
Torii Hunter was hit by a pitch to start the second, moved to second on a walk issued to Cuddyer, and the two runners then successfully attempted a double steal. In his haste to nab the trail runner at second, Guillermo Quiroz's throw sailed into center field and Hunter came home with the game's first run.
The Rangers answered in the top of the third as Metcalf doubled and scored on Michael Young's two-out base hit to left.
Mauer's homer in the bottom of the sixth gave Minnesota the 2-1 edge, but Texas came back with a two-spot in the seventh.
Brad Wilkerson bunted for a hit and swiped second base in front of Quiroz's RBI single. The catcher moved to second on the throw, a move that proved pivotal one batter later. Ramon Vazquez hit a ball toward the mound, and Juan Rincon fielded and fired errantly to first, allowing Quiroz to come around from second for the go-ahead run.
Texas briefly took the lead in the top of the ninth on Metcalf's solo homer off Nathan.
Game Notes
Mauer has six homers on the season, while Cuddyer now has 14 home runs...Hunter stole two bases, his 16th and 17th of the season...Minnesota has won five of seven from Texas this season...Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was a ejected by first base umpire Jeff Nelson in the top of the eighth...Attendance 14,197.
© 2007 The Sports Network
Game Notes.
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