Game Date: 4/24/04

Leagues: Majors

Twins 1    Rangers 0

Twins Pitchers Andrew Bestler, 6 IP, 11 SO, 0 BB, 1H

Rangers Pitcher: Thomas Reynolds, 6 IP, 10 SO, 1 BB , 4 H, 1 Unearned Run

Description:

A great pitchers duel between the Twins Andrew Bestler and the Rangers Thomas Reynolds in the Twins 1-0 win. The two gave up no earned runs and struck out 21 between the two with Bestler one up with 11 strikeouts. Bestler was one batter from a perfect game. Bestler faced one more than the minimum- the lone Rangers base runner, a single by the Rangers Thomas O'Neil. Reynolds, the tough luck loser in this one, walked one and only allowed four hits-two infield singles to Derek Bishop, a liner to center by Cody Moberly, and a key double by Bestler in the sixth.

The Twins won the game in the sixth when Bestler helped his own cause with a two out double over the centerfielders head- he advanced to third on a throwing error on the play. The next batter Zach Smith hit a hard grounder to second and was safe at first on an error as Bestler scored from third with the game winner. He closed out the Twins fourth straight victory to start the season in the bottom of the sixth three up three down.