|
 Gibson's performance on Friday night against the Chicago White Sox
was his best one yet.
The right-hander baffled the White Sox for eight shutout innings as
Minnesota won a 1-0 pitcher's duel at Target Field.
Gibson found trouble just twice during his outing, navigating a
bases-loaded, one-out jam in the second inning by coaxing a 6-4-3
double play from White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers.
Chicago moved two runners into scoring position with two outs in the
seventh, but Gibson got center fielder J.B. Shuck to line out to
third to end the threat.
"I think it was one of those nights that once I got in a groove,
everything was going pretty good," Gibson said. "My changeup was
good. They were just hitting it at people and that always helps."
Twins manager Paul Molitor said, "He had some real clean, crisp
innings. Back-to-back starts when he's been really good."
Gibson allowed four hits and a walk while striking out four,
improving to 2-2.
Twins closer Glen Perkins worked around two hits in the ninth for
his seventh save.
White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana nearly matched Gibson's
performance, allowing a run, six hits and two walks in seven
innings. He fanned five.
The only run scored by either team came in the bottom of the fifth.
Twins designated hitter Kennys Vargas and center fielder Shane
Robinson started the inning with back-to-back singles. Shortstop
Danny Santana struck out and second baseman Brian Dozier flied out
to center field. Both Vargas and Robinson tagged on the play to put
two runners in scoring position with two outs.
With right fielder Torii Hunter batting, Quintana bounced a 1-2
curveball in front of that plate that eluded Flowers and allowed
Vargas to score.
"The game was won by a (wild pitch). I thought I'd seen it all,"
Hunter said. "It was a great battle, both teams. Quintana had his
stuff going today. He had it going everywhere."
White Sox manager Robin Ventura said, "(Quintana) was sharp. The
(wild pitch) is just one of those you'd like to have back. But he
pitched great. He got in a couple of binds but battled through it."
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White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche singled with one out and
pinch-hitter Gordon Beckham had a two-out single against Perkins in
the ninth, advancing to second on an error by left fielder Eduardo
Escobar. But Perkins blew a 95 mph fastball by Flowers to end the
game.
Chicago was 0-for-4 in the game with runners in scoring position and
have now scored four total runs in their last three games combined,
all losses.
"You keep grinding," LaRoche said. "No question, it's frustrating
for all of us. We've run into some pitchers the past couple of days
that aren't overpowering but seem to be really hitting their spots
and making pitches when they need them."
NOTES: White Sox OF Adam Eaton did not play Friday because of
illness. He was not available off the bench. ... The Twins placed
RHP Tim Stauffer on the 15-day disabled list with a right
intercostal strain. ... Twins RHP Ryan Pressly was recalled from
Triple-A Rochester to fill Stauffer's roster spot. ... Twins LHPs
Tommy Milone and Caleb Thielbar were optioned to Triple-A Rochester.
... Twins RHP Ricky Nolasco and LHP Brian Duensing were activated
from the 15-day disabled list after the game. ... The White Sox and
Twins will play the third game of their four-game series at Target
Field on Saturday. White Sox RHP Hector Noesi 0-2, 5.23 ERA) will
face Twins RHP Ricky Nolasco (0-1, 18.00 ERA).
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
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