Cruise Control

Early in last night's game, the Twins looked like they were still a little groggy from partying the previous night. Johan Santana was knocked around in the first few innings and the offense looked flat. Still, the Twins were able to win the game in the same fashion have for much of the year. Santana settled in and dominated, and the offense scraped together enough for a comeback victory.

In what was probably his last start of the regular season, Santana put up a nice line (8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 0 BB). If Santana's season is over, his final numbers are very impressive: 233.2 IP, 19-6, 2.77 ERA, 245:47 K/BB, 0.99 WHIP, .216 BAA. Despite a bit of rockiness in his past couple starts, he looks good to go for the post-season and should give us some confidence in Game 1, regardless of the opponent.

Joe Nathan entered the game with a one-run lead in the ninth and caused a scare by loading the bases with one out, but he came back with two big strikeouts to slam the door. Another guy that is comforting to have around entering the playoffs.

With the win, the Twins kept pace with the first-place Tigers, who beat the Blue Jays 4-3. It's not particularly likely that the Twins will be able to overtake the Tigers, as they would need to win two more games than Detroit over the next five days, but it's certainly possible.