Rumor has it.

When the Twins start games at my bedtime, I have a hard time believing they actually happened.  That's especially true when I read unbelievable things in the box score like Joe Mauer getting two hits and driving in two runs.  Add in the fact that one of those hits was a clutch hit that drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth, and one starts to think the whole thing is made up.  But I saw it on the internet, so I guess it must be true.

And in one way it makes sense, because there's nothing like a series with the White Sox to get rid of a losing streak.  Yohan Pino apparently pitched like a veteran rather than a rookie, giving up just two runs in seven innings and striking out seven White Socks.  As you may have noticed, I have an affinity for guys like him.  Maybe the fact that I became a pastor at age 47, graduated from seminary at 50, and got ordained at 53 has something to do with that.  But I admire someone who has a goal and refuses to give up on it, especially when, in Pino's case, there were probably people telling him he should.  I also like to see success rewarded.  Pino pitched really well in AAA last year and was dominant this year.  He deserves a chance to show what he can do in the majors.

I mentioned last night that it was no time to panic and it looks like Gardy didn't.  He used the standard lineup with the exception of Parmelee for Arcia, and as was discussed by others there are justifications for that--Arcia has been struggling and may still be dealing with an injury.  Subbing Pino for Deduno was planned before the losing streak, and much as I like Deduno* it was time to give someone else a shot.

You probably know this, but when I say "like Deduno" I don't mean I think he's a good pitcher.  I just mean I like him.  I'm rooting for him.  When he's on, his magical zoomball is a lot of fun to watch.  Unfortunately, he hasn't been on very often this season.

So now it's time to build on this.  It's time for Ricky Nolasco to have an actually good start rather than an almost good start.  It's time to build that season-ending ninety-two game winning streak.  We're still on track for 124-38!