Double-Dipping In The Dome

The scoreboard never lies, July 4, 2008. Photo by Randy Stern

On the Fourth of July, I attended what would be my last home game at the Metrodome for the season. This was accomplished after doing a double-dip of games at the home of the Minnesota Twins. In other words: It was a personal rare feat that I attended two games in a single week.

Earlier in the week, I caught the resurgent Detroit Tigers playing the Twins with Scott Baker on the mound for the home team. This time, it was the Twins that had the upper hand in the proceedings. Certainly the Tigers looked improved and showed they wouldn't back down from a fight. On the other hand, Nate Robertson couldn't get it together on the mound. Craig Monroe reminded Robertson who his Tiger was.

The Twins played well. There were some nervous moments, but you can tell that the Twins wanted nothing short of shoving the Tigers aside in the pennant race. Mission accomplished through taking chances...well, Carlos Gomez taking most of the Twins chances that evening.

Then, it was the Cleveland Indians again. On the fourth, the fireworks were certainly inside as well as a few blocks away over the Stone Arch Bridge. Nick Punto showed that his promotion to the number two spot on the batting rotation was no fluke. That home run just left of the baggie made sure of that fact.

Between the two games, a lot of observations had to be made of the Twins. For one, the off-season acquisitions facilitated by General Manager Bill Smith are paying off. Delmon Young's Friday night homer added to a vast improvement from the criticisms of not fulfilling his hype. Indeed, Young lived up to the expectations of everyone with sharp connections and smart defense.

Add to the fact that both Carlos Gomez and Craig Monroe are also contributing to the club's surge towards the division-leading Chicago White Sox. These guys aren't merely "Little Piranhas," but big fish making lots of noise. Gomez loves taking a few extra efforts in his play. He'll jump for balls, bunt when it is not necessary, use his body to take an extra base or score at home and defy the instructions of his manager Ron Gardenhire.

That's all good, but at the All-Star Break, you need to save those heroics when you need them.

Back to the statement made before: Why would this be my last home game at the Metrodome this season. Well, this summer has been hectic between things. Life's schedules prevent me from considering additional games at home. Not to mention that annoying fact of going to a ballgame solo. Not that I have friends who would love to go, but priorities sometimes clash at the worst possible times.

So, the next game I'll be attending will be in Toronto. I'm not joking here. While the Republicans are whipping up a frenzy just a few precious miles from my office, I will be in Toronto spending a few precious moments before returning back to my graduate studies.

Incidentally, the Jays will be playing the Twins that night.