Monday, May 26, 2008

Gonzalez Walks Off Reds in 18th; Kubel Slams Tigers

Players of the Day from Sunday, May 25, 2008 American League Jason Kubel broke open a 1-1 game with an 8th inning grand slam that propelled the Minnesota Twins to a 6-1 victory over the hapless, last-place Tigers on Sunday. Kubel also singled earlier in the game, and finished 2-for-4 with 4 RBI. The win got the Twins to .500 (25-25) and into sole possession of second place in the upside-down AL Central, 2 1/2 behind the surprising White Sox. Notes: The Twins have relished beating up on divisional opponents, posting a 15-9 record. Sunday was their 5th win in their last 6 games against the Tigers. National League The last-place Padres haven't had much to cheer about this season, but after 18 grueling innings last night in San Diego, Adrian Gonzalez finally delivered some joy in the form of a walk-off 3-run homer to down the Reds, 12-9. Gonzalez went 4-for-9, with a single, two doubles and the game-ending bomb, drove in four runs and scored just once. For Gonzalez, one of the Padres actually having a productive season, it was his 14th home run of the season. His 43 RBI ties him with Houston's Carlos Lee, who are both two behind Lance Berkman. Notes: The Reds used 10 pitchers in the Sunday marathon; the Padres employed eight. Fans are still waiting for Ken Griffey Jr.'s 600th home run. Junior hit #498 on May 22, ending a 21-game homer drought and he has only five on the season.

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