Why do Mariners Wear Gloves?

Error Prone Mariners drop Second in 11 

Bloomington – April 15.  The Mariners let this one slip away by committing 4 errors and two very crucial ones in the bottom of the 11^th.  In the bottom of the 11^th with the score tied at 2 a piece Smalley lined a single into right field.  Carew grounded to second but was safe when Baez bobbled the ball.  With runners on first and second Adams struck out on a 1-2 count.  Ford then grounded into what looked like an easy inning ending 5-4-3 double play until Stein muffed the ball and everyone was safe.  With bases loaded, Manager Darrell Johnson’s heart skipped a beat when Rawley gave Powell a free pass to send the winning run across the plate.  So the Twins one this one in the bottom of the 11^th while getting only 1 hit.  Two errors and a bases loaded walk sealed the fate for the Mariners. 

Dave Goltz was definitely not on his A-game but he pitched well enough to get out of jams.  6 hits and 6 walks in 6 1/3 innings were scattered around while only giving up 2 runs.  The Johnson relievers helped seal the deal by going a combined 4 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts without giving up a run.  (Gene) Mauch was trying to get more out of Goltz, but Geoff was too tired after throwing 136 pitches.   

The Twins were definitely helped by the errors since three of the four errors led to all of the Twins runs.  It was ugly, but at this point the Twins will take even the ugly ones since this has brought the Twins finally over .500 with a 6-5 record.  The 23 year old Powell is showing some good plate discipline by getting 3 walks.  His average sits at .318 and his 6 game hitting streak came to end, but when you can win a game by taking a walk, Powell and the Twins will take that over a hit streak any day.