It seems hard to believe, but the Minnesota Twins won.It wasn't just any win, either, coming back in dramatic fashion with a seven-run eighth to win 11-9 against Los Angeles Friday night.
Jason Kubel belted a bases-loaded home run over the right field baggy to cap the team's rally and his cycle.
The designated hitter produced the first run of the night with an RBI double in the first, singled in the third and tripled in the sixth.
Minnesota's eighth inning went as follows: Michael Cuddyer led off with a single, stole second on a Brian Buscher strikeout and went to third on a wild pitch.
Joe Crede walked before Mike Redmond singled to right to score Cuddyer.
Another walk to Nick Punto and a double by Denard Span scored two more. With first base open, the Angels elected to intentionally pass Justin Morneau, setting the stage for Kubel's memorable night.
He becomes the first Twin to hit for the cycle since Carlos Gomez did it last May, and ties a career high in the process with four hits.
More importantly, Kubel's heroics propelled a team that had lost five of six.
The pitching has been atrocious, giving up another nine earned runs Friday, pushing its team E.R.A. above 6.
The bullpen accounted for five of the Angels' runs and could be in serious trouble later in the year if it continues to throw three or four innings a night. Not only for the shaky performances, but also for wear and tear purposes.
Starter Nick Blackburn pitched four solid innings before running into trouble in the fifth. He gave up three runs on four straight singles and a Denard Span throwing error.
His time ran out in the seventh and he left with a runner aboard and one out.
Enter Jesse Crain, who proceeded to give up four runs.
Matt Guerrier allowed another in the eighth before Minnesota rallied.
Notes: Kubel joins Ian Kinsler and Orlando Hudson as players who have already hit for the cycle this season.
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