The Twins defeat Kansas City, 5 – 4, in a sloppy game that sees both teams’ closers falter. The Twins score three in the 6th thanks to a throwing error, a wild pitch, and a blooper reel play by RF Josh Anderson that allows Denard Span to race around the bases. Coming in to close a 4 – 3 lead in the 9th, Minnesota’s Joe Nathan gives up a two-out home run to pinch-hitter Brayan Pena to send the game into extra innings. The Royals’ Joakim Soria then gives up a single to Alexi Casilla and a triple to Orlando Cabrera to put the Twins back on top and give Nathan another chance to close. But the Royals put two more men on before Mark Teahen finally lines out to right field to end the game.

This Day In Baseball

On August 21, 2009 — The Twins defeat Kansas City, 5 – 4, in a sloppy game that sees both teams’ closers falter. The Twins score three in the 6th thanks to a throwing error, a wild pitch, and a blooper reel play by RF Josh Anderson that allows Denard Span to race around the bases. Coming in to close a 4 – 3 lead in the 9th, Minnesota’s Joe Nathan gives up a two-out home run to pinch-hitter Brayan Pena to send the game into extra innings. The Royals’ Joakim Soria then gives up a single to Alexi Casilla and a triple to Orlando Cabrera to put the Twins back on top and give Nathan another chance to close. But the Royals put two more men on before Mark Teahen finally lines out to right field to end the game.

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Sources:
Baseball Reference August 21
National Pastime August 20
Retro Sheet
Hall of Fame
SABR Games Project
Replay The Game