Twins Hit The Brewers Hard, Brewers Lose 11-3

WP: Scott Diamond (3-0)
LP: Marco Estrada (0-3)

HR: Josh Willingham (8), Ryan Braun (11)

MVP: Norichika Aoki (+.132)
LVP: Marco Estrada (-.240)

Win Expectancy Graph and Star of the Game Voting

The Brewers came home to play, but it was the Twins who felt at home tonight.

The Twins got on the board early tonight thanks to a two-run home run from Josh Willingham in the first inning. The Brewers, with a reorganized lineup, responded in the bottom of the first with an RBI groundout from Ryan Braun to score Corey Hart. They then tied the game in the 3rd inning with a RBI double from Norichika Aoki.

The Twins would retake the lead in the fifth inning with an two-run RBI double from Joe Mauer, and added two more runs thanks to two errors by the Brewers and an RBI single from Denard Span. Ryan Braun got a run back in the sixth inning on a solo home run, but the Twins took it right back with an RBI sacrifice fly from Justin Morneau in the top of the seventh. After that, it got out of hand as the Twins added on four more runs in the eighth inning.

The Brewers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but Edwin Maysonet struck out and Corey Hart grounded out to end the game.

Marco Estrada was not terrible today, but he wasn't good either. He pitched five innings and allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five. It was good enough to keep the Brewers in the game, but the defense and bullpen would put it out of reach. Manny Parra allowed two unearned runs thanks to three Brewers errors in the sixth inning. Jose Veras allowed a run in his inning of work, and Vinnie Chulk allowed four in his inning. Tim Dillard faced one batter and recorded an out, and John Axford worked around a hit and an error for a scoreless inning.

The loss ends a six-game winning streak against the Twins at home.

The series against the Twins continues tomorrow. Carl Pavano starts for the Twins, and Yovani Gallardo starts for the Brewers. First pitch is at 3:10 PM.