NEW YORK In 2003 the Twins found themselves in the same situation they did this year. Going into Game 2 of the ALDS with a 1 game lead and with a chance to take a 2-0 lead back to the Dome. But in 2004 the Yankees pitching isnt what it was a year ago, the Twins have a chance.
Dj vu. Game 2 goes to the Yankees and the Twins go back to the Dome with tied with the Yankees. But this year is different, the Yankees got away with one. After Radke goes 6 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on 8 hits and walking 3 guys it didnt look good for the Twins whos sluggish offense had only scored 3 runs. It looked even worse when Mariano Rivera comes out with Twin on the corners, its as good as over now!
Not so Morneau singles to bring the Twins within a run and than Koskie drives a ground rule double to left to tie the game at 5 a piece. Rincon and Nathan combined to shut down the Yankees and even got the lead after a Torii Hunter home run to left.
Now the hard decision comes. Stay with Nathan who has already pitched 2 innings or go with Romero who has not been reliable lately? If you go with Romero and lose, than Gardy and the Twins get blamed for the loss. If Gardy sticks with Nathan and lose than Gardy gets blamed again for the loss. Of course Crain could have come in for the 12th, but was sat back down for some unknown reason.
Perhaps there are ghost in Yankee Stadium, perhaps they traveled up from Washington and are upset the Senators moved. Some anti-Twins force had to be assisting the Yankees as they won game 2.
The Twins now put faith in Carlos Silva, Mr. Double Play! Go get game 3!