2005’s quest for a 4-peat begins - Minnesota Sports Today

Minnesota Twins v Seattle Mariners — Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Just take the series (the Ron Gardenhire mantra)

As an intrepid young sports journalist from the University of Minnesota-Morris once chronicled, not even Bob Casey’s passing could dampen enthusiasm for the 2005 Minnesota Twins. Coming off an AL Central three-peat, optimism was high towards finally getting over the playoff hump.

The ’05 season officially began in Seattle and after I scarfed down an early supper at the UMM cafeteria I settled into my freshman dorm to watch Opening Day on a 21-inch CRT TV.

Before my dinner was digested, Brad Radke had served up a first inning, three-run home run (surprise, surprise) to Richie Sexson after Hall of Famers Ichiro Suzuki & Adrian Beltre reached base.

Sexson tagged Radke with another HR in the 3^rd and with Jamie Moyer (5.2 IP, 0 ER) vexing MN lumber it was more than enough for the Mariners to cruise to a 5-1 victory. Somewhat heartbreakingly, Eddie Guardado notched the save for the seamen.

Seattle Mariners v Oakland Athletics — Just doesn’t feel right

Despite an Opening Day loss always feeling akin to existential dread, the Twins looked to swamp Seattle’s ship in Game #2. It certainly didn’t begin any better—this time Johan Santana coughing up four 1^st inning runs to the M’s.

Fortunately, Twins bats awoke in the 5^th to the tune of seven runs—ambushing Gil Meche & Matt Thornton—capped by a Jacque Jones jolt. Jesse Crain, J.C. Romero, Juan Rincon, & Joe Nathan were all pen-perfect as the Twins got in the left-hand column with an 8-4 victory.

In the opening series’ rubber match, MIN sent Carlos Silva to the bump and he produced the Silva-est line ever: 7 IP, 9 H, 0 K, 1 ER. The master of escaping jams via weak ground ball contact. The single blemish on Silva’s sterling session: a solo Bret Boone homer. More on ‘05 Bret Boone to come (cue ominous music).

Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — My fantasy baseball team that season was named—I kid you not—The Silva Stars

Meanwhile, noted Twins DH Matt LeCroy hit a 3-run jack, allowing Rincon & Nathan to slam the door on a 4-1 win and series victory.

Minnesota Twins vs Chicago White Sox - August 17, 2005 — (Somewhere, Frank Robinson is shedding tears)

The 2005 Twins were off and running on their defense of the Central crown. Would it hold? Stay tuned this summer to find out!