Twins 1, White Sox 0

Times wires
Thursday, June 16, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Michael Cuddyer's homer backed Nick Blackburn's eight shutout innings as the Twins beat the White Sox 1-0 on Thursday.

Blackburn tied his career high by winning his fifth consecutive decision (over a span of nine starts).

"He's in complete control of the games," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Minnesota has won 11 of 13. During that stretch, its starters have an ERA of 1.79.

"It's all cyclical," said Cuddyer, who sent a Mark Buehrle pitch into the White Sox bullpen beyond left-centerfield to lead off the second. "You've got to ride the good waves out, and right now is a good one."

Blackburn became the fourth straight Twins starter to last at least eight innings. He said he was tired after 95 pitches and more than happy to hand the ball to closer Matt Capps, who made his first appearance in eight days.

"All we ask is our pitchers to be honest with us," Gardenhire said.

And throw strikes, which they didn't do early this year.

"I don't know what was going on. I was probably picking around the corners too much, trying to be too fine," said Blackburn who is 6-0 with a 2.29 ERA since going 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA in April.

"Lately, I've just been trying to rely on my movement. I find myself trying to throw one down the middle and let 'em hit it to somebody."

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/twins-1-white-sox-0/1175714

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