Twin Wins Battle of Struggling Rookies

He had been roughed up in start after start. He was a rookie pitcher who had been hit hard, but he turned in his best performance of the season on a hot day Sunday at Anaheim Stadium.

The Angels’ Russ Springer wished it could have been him.

The Twins’ Eddie Guardado was the rookie of the moment. He was in command through seven innings--allowing only two runs--and came away with a 9-2 victory, his second in the major leagues. That’s something for which Springer still is searching.

“I felt a little bit like this was a must-win game for me,” Guardado said. “I tried not to worry about it. I got my breaking ball over and got ahead of hitters. That makes it a whole lot easier.”

Guardado knows the other side all too well, as does Springer. Both have been considered hot pitching prospects. Both entered Sunday’s game with dubious numbers.

Springer was 1-5 with a 6.75 earned-run average. Guardado was 1-4 with a 6.64 ERA.

After the game, Springer avoided reporters. Guardado, who made the jump from double A this season, was almost surprised to have people talking to him.

“It’s been a tough adjustment this year,” he said. “I wasn’t comfortable the first couple times out. I think I’m getting better.

“It was easy getting loose today with that heat. But I was getting tired. I just wanted to go as far as I could.”

Guardado left in the eighth with runners on first and second--one of which later scored. Chili Davis’ home run accounted for the only other run he allowed. He gave up eight hits and had four strikeouts.

“That was the best game he’s pitched for us,” Twins Manager Tom Kelly said. “He moved the ball in and out, up and down. He worked the hitters well.”

Guardado’s only other victory was on the Fourth of July, when he went seven innings to help the Twins beat Milwaukee, 4-3. He has not gone further than six innings in three starts since.

Guardado gave up five runs and 11 hits in five innings against Baltimore in his last start. He has allowed 14 runs in his last 14 1/3 innings before Sunday’s start.

Control has been his biggest problem, something Springer can identify with as well.

Guardado has walked 23 in 49 innings this season after walking only 10 in 150 1/3 innings last year.

Springer walked five and gave up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.

“It’s much more difficult up here,” he said.

Guardado was called up June 8 because the Twins were desperate for pitching. Guardado hadn’t provided it until Sunday.

“I’m still here,” he said. “I did the job today.

Springer didn’t.