"The Tigers had to wonder how much the Twins would miss the Metrodome this season, especially after Detroit lost 14 of its final 19 games in there, including one of the greatest games ever played under the Teflon roof. That's why Wednesday's 5-4 victory at Target Field was particularly satisfying for the Twins. After dropping two of three games at Detroit last week, the Twins completed their first three-game sweep and pushed the second-place Tigers 3 1/2 games back in the American League Central. "We don't want them to feel like they're comfortable coming in here just because it's a new building," first baseman Justin Morneau said. "It's still our home. We still want that home-field advantage, and it's good to set the tone like we did." Detroit came in riding a five-game winning streak, and the Twins played the entire series without reigning MVP Joe Mauer, but that didn't stop them from putting the Tigers in a quick hole in each game. After scoring four first- inning runs against Max Scherzer on Monday and two against Dontrelle Willis on Tuesday, the Twins repeated the pattern, jumping on Rick Porcello (2-3) for two first-inning runs. It marked the sixth consecutive game the Twins have scored at least two first-inning runs, something no team has done since Bobby Murcer and the Yankees did it for seven consecutive games in 1971. "The old saying around here is 'Be ready, first inning'" manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We've got such a good lineup at the top, they know how to work counts and get on base." Following last Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Tigers at Comerica Park, starting pitcher Carl Pavano said he thought the team's energy level hadn't been as high for day games. The Twins had missed three chances at April sweeps with afternoon losses and came out flat against the Tigers, dropping their first series. Since then, the Twins are 2-0 in afternoon games, including Sunday's victory at Cleveland." http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/92918024.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
