Twins Answer a Call to Arms

The Minnesota Twins had just enough pitchers.

“We put all our eggs in one basket, but I had to do it. We used them all,” said Manager Tom Kelly, who brought in his last available pitcher, Rick Aguilera, in the eighth inning of a 4-3 victory over the Oakland A’s on Saturday.

Scheduled starter Mike Morgan was scratched 10 minutes before game time because of an abdominal strain, forcing Kelly to start Mike Trombley. That left the bullpen short, as five relievers were used the previous game.

Trombley gave the Twins 4 2/3 innings and left trailing 3-0, but a comeback against Mike Oquist (6-6) and the A’s bullpen made a winner for the second consecutive game out of Hector Carrasco (3-1).

“We started fast, but couldn’t get anything going,” Oakland Manager Art Howe said. “You’ve got to give them credit. Their starter scratches and their bullpen comes through and gets the job done.”

And his own bullpen?

“To go anywhere in this league, you need a bullpen,” Howe said. “It’s simple as that.”

Matt Lawton’s second double of the game drove in Paul Molitor with the go-ahead run in the eighth inning.

Molitor drew a leadoff walk from Oquist, who retired the next two batters on grounders before being relieved by left-hander Mike Mohler.

“I would’ve liked to stay in the game,” Oquist said. “No pitcher wants to leave in that situation. It was hard on Art to make the move.”

Lawton, a left-handed hitter, grounded a 3-1 pitch down the right-field line to score Molitor and give him his second consecutive three-hit game.

Aguilera got four outs for his 21st save.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

Who: Minnesota Twins

Where: at Minnesota

When: Tuesday, 5 p.m., Wednesday, 5 p.m. and Thursday, 10:15 a.m.