Well, we asked for it.. and we got it. Drama to the last day. Minnesota solved the Greinke puzzle and pulled into a tie with Detroit for the AL Central. Delmon Young showed up big again on Saturday, knocking in 3 RBIs for the second straight day. Yet, it took Minnesota Magic to eek out the win in the bottom of
the 8th on Abra Cuddyer‘s Game winning Solo shot. You can call him Michael, but ya doesn’t have to call him Magic. The Dome lives! : )

And how about the kids in Washington winning their 6th straight. Two players we’ve highlighted here in the last week were right in the middle of it. In the 11th inning, tied at 4, Pete Orr led off with a single and one out later Justin Maxwell launched an opposite field bomb to win it for the Nats. Add a pitcher or two and there may be some chemistry in that clubhouse.

Chemistry might be what you call the connection between Ryan Braun and
Craig Counsell. Out of their fog from Colorado these two have been on a rampage. The Brewers handed the Cards a road ticket when the dynamic duo had a 4 for 8 day with 3 runs and 2 RBIs. With the Dodgers win, St. Louis is packing for LA.

What? The Dodgers won!? Indeed they did, clinching the NL West and the Homefield Advantage as well. Juan Pierre was the catalyst that LA needed and responded with a 2 for 4  day and an important RBI. The game was a Zip tie contest into the bottom of the 7th before LA broke through. Talk about pulling teeth.

They also woke up in Boston. Victor Martinez, who had 103 Home Runs as an Indian without
a Grand Slam, hit the 1st Grand Slam of his career against… you guessed it… those Indians. Brian Anderson had a perfect day at the plate. He was 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs, he Walked once and scored twice in the Red Sox win.

In Cincinnati, the pesky Pirates were finally beaten by somebody. Joey Votto tipped his cap and whacked a Home Run in his 2 for 3 day that included a walk and 3 RBIs. Nice game Joey and nice season as well, 25 HR’s for Votto in ’09.

All good, but the day came down to a couple of Duck Snorts in Detroit. Both produced from the bat of Alex Rios. Alex had a magnificent line of 4 for 5 in the marquee matchup of the day games. He picked up 3 huge RBIs and led the offensive attack against a flock of Tiger pitchers. Call ‘em Texas Leaguers if ya like.. but they’re line drives in the Box Score! Alex was timely and productive and helped the Twins lock up the Tigers at the top of the AL Central. The final playoff spot will be determined today … game #162! Cool huh?

 Congratulations Alex Rios. You are Yesterday’s Hitter!