MIN 12, CHW 4: Garver Drives In 6, Mauer Showered With Applause

As he walked off the field to a standing ovation Friday night, Joe Mauer tipped his cap to the Target Field faithful. Did he also tip his hand?

Is it over?

Everyone wants to know what’s to come for Mauer. He’s not made a commitment either way, but everyone seems to have their theories. If you were one to read between the lines, that gesture from Joe seemed to say a lot.

Or did it?

Snapshot (chart via FanGraphs)

De Jong: 52 Game Score, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 63.5% strikes (47 of 74 pitches)

Home Runs: None

Multi-Hit Games: Garver (4-for-5, 2 2B), Mauer (2-for-4, BB), Cave (2-for-4, 2B, BB), Grossman (2-for-4)

WPA of 0.1 or higher: Garver .202, De Jong .101

WPA of -0.1 or lower: None

Mauer, who served as the DH in both games of Friday’s doubleheader, was lifted for a pinch-runner after hitting a single in the sixth inning. Manager Paul Molitor took advantage of the opportunity to manufacture a memorable moment, and Twins Territory responded accordingly.

Mitch Garver was at first base for tonight’s game, making his first start since suffering a concussion Sept. 12. Apparently he’s seeing the ball well.

Garver hit a two-run double in the first inning, another run-scoring double in the second, added a two-run single in the third then just for good measure added an RBI single in the fifth. He was a one-man wrecking crew, finishing the night 4-for-5 with a career-high six runs batted in.

"We just saw a steady growth of Mitch as a hitter," Paul Molitor said. "There’s been a lot of times particularly in the second half where he’s taken pitches to the opposite field in run-scoring situations to cash in some people. We always talked that the bat played and the more at-bats he’s gotten the more confidence and results."

Chase De Jong earned his first MLB victory after pitching six innings. He gave up four hits and walked a batter while striking out four. The only two runs he gave up were on solo home runs.

"Last year technically I started in the big leagues and ended at Double-A," De Jong said. "This year was all about reestablishing myself as a quality starter and that I could go out there and put together quality innings. I've done that. I've proven that to myself and now I've proven to the Minnesota Twins. It's wonderful to finish the year on a high note."

Remaining Games

Sat vs. CHW, 6:10 pm CT: Kyle Gibson vs. Carlos Rodon

Sun vs. CHW, 2:10pm CT: Zack Littell vs. Dylan Covey

Last Three Games

MIN 2, CHW 1: Berrios Reaches 200 Ks

MIN 9, DET 3: Vive La Tortuga

MIN 11, DET 4: Bats Bust Out, Bullpen Shuts Out Detroit

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