The first two games at Seattle have been disappointing to say the least.

The hitting actually has been good, but the pitching has stunk especially the relief. This is a must-win game. You don't want to be swept by a bad Seattle team, who has called it a season long time ago. They have to find a way to win here.

Nick Blackburn has to go deep here today. The pen is taxed, and quite frankly, I don't want to see anyone in the pen for awhile if that's possible.

Blackburn vs. Washburn

Twins go down in the first inning.

Go get em, Nick.

We need to get this one today, the Mariners haven't swept anybody all season and the Twins need some confidence heading to KC.

That was close.

Glad to see a 0 in the board.

Let's go to the second.

It's great to see you, TT. I will be doing game threads for the next three days starting today.

It's good to watch a game where I can actually watch. I hate West Coast games where you have to watch the games at night, which is too late. It's good to watch at a feasible time. Speaking of today, what a good day it is. I can watch this game and then after this game is over, I will watch the Tigers/Bitch Sox. It's good to have a day off and watch two games. What a country!

Ruiz is 1-1, and a rare hit by Everett gives the Twins an early lead (lets hold this one). It'll be interesting to see what the Twins do when Cuddyer comes back who will go?

This run is huge.

I want this lead.

The Twins need to break out as soon as possible just so Blackburn can have room to work with.

This is a must-win game.

Go-Go has been so much better in the nine spot. Taking more pitches and hitting the ball much better. This is the spot where we need to crack the game open. We haven't done it in the past few games.

That was great hitting there by Span. He looked terribly overmatched on that second pitch and then delivers.

TT: This team misses Cuddyer and Neshek. You know the saying about how you miss something once it's gone. Cuddyer can hit, but I think now we know why people call him a leader than Mauer and Morneau. Cuddy can play well, but he likes to talk and get people revved up. You realize the importance of him once he is gone. Same with Pat. They really miss him now. Guerrier and Crain are not great in pitching everyday, and those two are starting to show cracks now. When Joe Nathan is out there in the eighth, it really isn't a good thing. Going for a four or five-out save is actually hard. Even the great Mariano Rivera can't do it often.

You have to crack it open here.

You have to get it done.

As great as this team had hitting wise in this series, they could have done even better with runners in scoring position.

I think Pat hurts us more so just because we've had hitters like Span come up and fill Cuddyer's shoes while there realy isn't any dominant bullpen help down there to help us. Plus we know Cuddyer will hopefully back and Neshek that isn't the case.

I think the team is regretting not at least taking a chance on Hawkins because Guerrier has been bad lately.

Poor joby by Punto and Red Dog there. Should've taken a few pitches. The key now will be if Blackburn can hold Seattle from getting that one big inning to get back in it. Perkins and Baker each allowed four-run innings and they hurt us.

Denard has been clutch this season.

How does he lose his job?

All he does is just perform.

Good job by him in clearing the bases.

This lead is what the doctor ordered because the Twins needed that after what they have went through the last two games. Question is how they hold up to this lead.

Here we go again with the pitching...