The Wu of Pitching; or, Triage in Safeco Field

Twins 4, Mariners 1

Absolutely one of the last things I want to be seeing when I tune into a Twins game...



(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)


In case you missed it, that was Justin Morneau in the 8th inning after a Ron Villone pitch struck him in the head. He spent at least a few minutes lying on the ground, although time in my house may have stopped still, but he appeared cognizant while the trainer and coaches talked with him and it was encouraging to see him walk off the field under his own power. Gardy said that when they asked Justin if he knew where he was, he replied, "On the ground in Seattle." It also looked like the pitch mainly hit his helmet, and the plastic didn't break, so I am optimistic that he'll be OK. Nothing that a hockey puck hasn't done a hundred times before, eh?

Prior to that accident, we were treated to a Carlos Silva Special Clinic--pay attention, you youngsters out there--on how to induce groundballs with minimal effort. It's almost Zen-like in its simplicity. The Wu of Pitching. A living haiku: 7 innings pitched, 68 pitches thrown, 9 scattered hits, no walks, no strikeouts, 17 groundballs, 3 flyballs, a solo HR allowed as a courtesy to the Birthday Boy Bret Boone. That's a W, kids. Videos and T-shirts for sale in the lobby. See you again next week, and bring a friend.

Juan Rincon and Joe Nathan closed out with 2 scoreless innings. Matthew LeCroy's 3-run blast in the 4th inning off Bobby Madritsch had given the Twins the lead for good; a Jacque Jones RBI single in the 8th just put a neat ribbon and bow on the package. The series goes to Minnesota. Now it's just back home and a day off to prepare for the big home opener and smackdown of the hated ChiSox, and here's hoping that Justin Morneau will be well and get back with us soon.

Take care, kid. We'll keep a light on for you.

My best wishes to Bobby Madritsch, as well. He's traveled a long path to finally begin a season as a member of a major league rotation, and I've looked forward to seeing his talent develop with the M's this year. He's the goods. My heart went out to him, seeing the look on his face as he rubbed his shoulder in the 5th inning. His whole history and fears about his future seemed to be expressed in his eyes. I'm glad to hear that it's only a "strain"--they didn't find any tears in his arm. You take care too, Mads. I hope you have a quick recovery.