The Twins scored only 13 runs in their season-opening four-game series with the Mariners, roughly two-thirds of their normal production a year ago. And it's even worse considering they opened at the Metrodome, where Minnesota averaged 5.3 runs per game.
The difference? It's not all Joe Mauer, but the Twins offense looks considerably less fearsome with him out of the lineup. "We definitely need him back," said Mike Redmond, who went 1-for-2 while filling in for the All-Star catcher. "Joe's a big part of our team."
Guess so. Even in a home park that suits them offensively, the Twins opened the season with problems at the plate. Minnesota's batting average is .219, 12th in the American League, and its on-base percentage is .218, also 12th.
"We normally play pretty well here. People don't like coming here to play us," said Justin Morneau, off to a 3-for-15 start. "We need to start hitting."
MARINERS 2, TWINS 0: Glen Perkins allowed only one run over eight innings, but that was enough to earn the loss in the Twins' first home shutout since July 20. Minnesota managed only five singles against Jarrod Washburn, who didn't allow a runner to reach second base until the eighth inning, and closer Brandon Morrow, who earned his first save. The four outfielders manager Ron Gardenhire is trying to juggle in three positions all played Thursday -- and combined to go 0-for-13.
