[etDetailsBox Minnesota Twins-Detroit Tigers] Minnesota Twins: 6 Detroit Tigers: 5 [/etDetailsBox]
In a wild marathon to finish the season, the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 6–5 in 12 innings with a walk off RBI single by Alexi Casilla.
With the win, the Minnesota Twins become the first team in history to win the division after being three games behind the leader with four games to go.
The Tigers made history, but not the history they were looking to make. After leading the AL Central for 146 games, they lost three out of their last four games to end the season tied for the division lead.
Twelve-Inning Battle
The Detroit Tigers jumped out to an early 3–0 lead in the bottom of the third inning off of an RBI single by right fielder Magglio Ordonez and a two-run homer by Miguel Cabrera.
Twenty-year old rookie Rick Porcello got the call for the Tigers. He pitched a great game, tying his career high with eight strike outs.
Porcello’s only mistake came in the bottom of the third when he misfired on a pick off play to first, allowing Matt Tolbert to score from third, giving the Minnesota Twins their first run of the ballgame.
Porcello was able to calm down though, retiring the next nine batters he faced.
With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Jason Kubel came up and belted a solo home run to right center, pulling the Minnesota Twins within one run. After a follow up walk, Porcello was chased from the game after 5 2/3 innings.
In the bottom of the seventh the Metrodome came alive when Orlando Cabrera belted a two run shot to left giving the Twins a 4–3 lead.
The Tigers answered when lead off hitter, Magglio Ordonez hit a home run to left in the top of the eighth, tying the game 4–4.
Both teams had runners on base in the ninth, but neither team could muster a run, sending this battle into extras.
Brandon Inge hit an RBI double to deep left field with two outs in the top of the tenth giving the Tigers a 5–4 lead.
First baseman Michael Cuddyer started the bottom of the tenth off with a triple, breathing life into the Metrodome. He scored on an RBI single to center by Matt Tolbert, tying the game once again.
The Minnesota Twins had Brendan Harris at third with one out, but he was thrown out at the plate when attempting to score on a sac fly.
The Minnesota Twins got out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the 12th with a huge strikeout by Bobby Keppel to end the inning.
A lead off single by Carlos Gomez in the bottom of the 12th set up the dramatic walk off finish.
A visibly excited Orlando Cabrera told TBS after the game, “This is absolutely the most unbelievable game I have ever seen or played in.”
Catcher Joe Mauer agreed, “This is the best game I’ll ever play in.”
As the 54,000 plus roared with elation, Cabrera was asked about the Metrodome crowd. “They have always supported us, the whole year.”
The Yankees decided earlier on Tuesday that the ALDS will start on Wednesday in the Bronx, instead of Thursday. The Minnesota Twins will have a short time to celebrate, as their meeting with the Yankees starts at 6:07, less than 24 hours after their division clinching win.
The Metrodome will see at least one more game. Game 3 of the best of five series will be in Minnesota on Sunday.
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