Twins 10, A’s 5

Last time I brought my camera to a Twins game, Johan Santana struck out 17 at the Metrodome in a 1-0 win over the Rangers. This time the Twins crushed the A’s 10-5 in Oakland, and I was right behind the dugout to take it in. That camera must be good luck.

Justin Morneau stretching during pre-game warmups. Morneau went 4-5 with 2 RBI.

Delmon Young and his empty .235 average join the team. Good game though (2-4, 3 RBI).

First-inning single for Joe Mauer. Sweetest swing in baseball.

Scott Baker. 8 IP, 3 ER, 8 K.

Morneau rounding third after his solo shot in the 6th. 2-0 Twins.

Brett Anderson gets the hook six batters and three runs later.

…

Sideburns.

Mauer and Morneau greet Jason Kubel after his 3-run bomb in the 7th puts the Twins up 8-0.

Blowout.

Scott Baker gave up 2 hits through 8 innings before running out of gas in the 9th and leaving with a 10-0 lead and the bases loaded.

The remaining crowd of about 5,000 finally got into the game as the Twins bullpen imploded in typical fashion. The A’s cut the deficit to 10-5 before Joe Nathan struck out the final two batters with the bases loaded. A disconcerting end to a great game.