No question. Tonight we must all bow down to the Jackal.

*silenced in awe*

"Three pitch inning", I think sums up the performance.

I whole heartedly agree...That was a stellar pitching performance. 74 pitches...AMAZING...Way to go Jackal...He's the only one i would consider for the B.O.D.

Just Beth, the best part was that he gave up a hit in the three-pitch inning!

I fully concur with Pepper. *bows to the Jackal*

I agree Nick. That was AWESOME. Gives up a hit and still gets out in three pitches.

It's too bad the Brew stopped swining in 8th. They looked like they intended to make him pitch a bit extra at the end.

Blah. They're talking about Garcia's 102 pitch count right now. They HAVE to mention 74.

THEY GOTTA!

What are you watching, Torhu? BBTN doesn't seem to be on yet.

ESPNews. They were going through all the AL Central games...and just kinda...forgot? ours.

"The fewest pitches ever thrown in a major-league perfect game was 86, by Jim Bunning in his 1964 perfecto against the Mets."

This from an old Jason Stark column. I'm still working on post-1969 (mound lowering). I have baseball books scattered all over my floor... I'll bet a purple doughnut that somebody will grind out the appropriate stat in the coming days...it may, indeed, be Stark again. He's good for stuff like that.

Great BOD choice. Stewie was solid but Silva made history.

BATB, you are awesome. If only I had all those books, I'd be looking too.

Wow. Silva threw less pitches than the guy with a perfect game?

Makes that dang homerun that much more irritating. It's like...GAH! So close.

"Andy Ashby needed just 75 pitches for a complete game, his 5th game of the season which is a career-high. Since 1990, when teams started recording pitch counts, it was the fewest total number of pitches in a complete game. Bob Tewksbury, then of the St. Louis Cardinals, held the previous record at 76 pitches in a game he pitched against the Cincinnati Reds in 1990."

Ok this info is from 1998...so that's about as current as I can find.

Okay...they just went to KC, and now to TB/FLA.

Boy, poor KC. There were more STL fans in the audience than KC fans.

Now it's PHIL/BAL, man. They're just collappsing. We missed out on the beginning of that when we were up there. (The Yankees are closer to 1st place in their division than we are)

Back to ARI/DET. Poor guy with his jinxed no-hitter. An INFIELD hit took it away.

LAAAAAA vs. LAD, yay...and now Serena news.

75? Does that mean Silva set history! No way!

"I'm your boyfriend NOW!"

I'm giggling 'cause in all this BOD talk, all I can think of is this MST3K line by Crow during the (I believe) "Gila Monster" episode.

Am I remembering it right?

"I'm your boyfriend NOW!"

*giggling*

I just got in from the Dome. What a game! What an amazing performance by the Jackal! And to top it all off, they played Brown-Eyed Girl in the Seventh Inning. The baseball gods were smiling upon Twins Territory tonight.

Man am I bummed that I missed THIS game... *SIGH*

sometimes I hate my job... *pout*

There we go, Twins are on ESPNews. Nice! You could hear Burt's "Duckfart" comment on the highlight ;)

They showed Jones doubling up the guy too.

Lowest number of pitches in a CG since Elias starting recording Pitch Count. So there you go. It's history.

Only a 30 second highlight though. :P

74 pitches, including two three-pitch strikeouts and a three-pitch inning (which I totally missed because I was _walking from the study to the basement_ and our house isn't big). HELL yeah, BOD.

After the 3rd inning, which we were listening to on the radio, my husband and I looked at each other and said "we gotta see this game". So we drove to my parents', who have cable. Totally, totally worth it.

Oh yeah. This was an incredible game. Silva's shutout last year wasn't even as impressive as this.

Though there were like 6 double plays in that one!

I missed the Twins highlights on ESPNews, but I caught them talking about Garcia's 102 pitches. While they were talking about how amazing that was, I looked at my dad and said, "102 pitches. Huh. I didn't think that game went into extra innings, did it? Because Silva made it through 9 innings with 74." I loathe ESPNews.

They were bragging about how Garcia didn't waste pitches. It just got replayed again.

Funny, Silva had 28 less. Heck...with 28 more pitches he could've gone another half a game.

ESPN news is horrible.

Jackal > Garcia

What the heck?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250520109

78? Where are they getting that from. Even the article has the correct 74.

Cool...I love being able to say I was there for a historic game like this one. My friend left early, after the bottom of the 7th. I never leave early. Never, ever.

I was there last year when the Jackal threw the ball into the stands after his CG shutout.It was the most exuberant, joyous, completely not intended to show up the other team moment.

I wish he could have done it again tonight.

I am in complete shock. did I really just see what I saw?!

74 pitches? a 3-pitch inning?

Li'l Nicky Punto with his first career 4-for-4 night?

a home run by Juan Castro?

(0-for-5 for Torii Hunter, including TWO bases-loaded DPs?? y'know, I could SEE the demon hanging off his ass. at first, I giggled, but then... oh, yeah, that's not good.)

except for the Torii thing, this was some serious Twins baseball tonight. there was sparkling defense, small ball, and amazing pitching goin' on right and left.

and Li'l Nicky was so cute before the game started. he was like a little ADD boy, tossing the ball into the roof of the dugout and catching it when it rolled back (it must be slanty?). and then he was trying to teach the new kid, Rodriguez, one of their special handshakes. and then he'd do some pull-ups. man, that was some pent-up energy, and he sure let it out tonight.

and what was really funny was Terry Tiffee doing some hobo dancing for Newmie. hahahaha... what a freakin' riot.

What the heck?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=250520109

78? Where are they getting that from. Even the article has the correct 74.

So, from what I'm hearing/reading, it's kind of a sketchy statistic since Elias only began officially keeping track since 2000. And teams probably didn't begin REALLY keeping track until this "modern" era...subjectivity abounds. Apparently there is still skepticism regarding the 1944 accomplishment. It's proof is traced to a newspaper article that ran the following day.

I know I've read that turn-of-the-century stud Christy Matthewson (who I think was totally hott and once ogled his bust in a completely sexist manner at Cooperstown) threw some 60+ pitch games...but then we really ARE talking a different era...he won over 30 games a season several times.

I still think the comparison to Ashby's is relevant...and thus studly in a not-as-hott-as-Christy Matthewson-but-just-as-likely-to-sit-bitches-down kinda way.

Oh kafumbly...you were able to see the game right?

That three pitch inning was great.

Pitch 1: Base hit
Pitch 2: Double Play
Pitch 3: Fly out (or was it a grounder)

yeah, Torhu, I was in 214.

pitch 3 was F9.

Lucky. You got to BE there?

I got to be at the game against Boston the day Minty was traded.

That game was awesome because of the drama. I teared up a bit when he got a standing ovation in his first Boston at-bat.

Bat Bandwagoner -- The Celebrant is a good book about Christy Matthewson. It's actually a novel, by Eric R. Greenberg.

ESPN always fall all over themselves for the big market teams. They just don't follow the small markets and don't care. That's why I don't watch.

I wish I had been there. I'm still pumped. Amazing.

Silva definitely deserves BOD status today. I was floored by his performance. Also I'd like to thank Juan Castro (do we have a nickname for this guy yet?) for the homer, that was beautiful.

My only complaint with the game tonight, is the same complaint as Wednesday night, where the heck are all these people coming from and why must they sit in my section? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad people come out to see the boys, but darn it, I don't like having to stand up while Stewie's up to bat on a 3-2 count to let some kid go by and get some popcorn!

Anyway, besides that it was great night at the dome and to finish it off I got to see Joe Nathan while he was leaving the dome, and there is the whole gorgeous baseball player with children thing again.

So I need to go to sleep now, much too much whiskey tonight, but bless your little heart Carlos, I'm so proud I could cry!

Kurtis-

Obviously you are attuned to my needs: books, baseball and...well...that's about it. Books ON baseball are bonus-worthy. Books on baseball as it relates to fave players are mandatory.

Consider it on the list. And thanks. I honestly never thought to seek out a book on Matthewson...and that's strange really...considering a glance at what IS on my shelves...

HooliganKat, I think having Castro as a last name should lend itself to a few nicknames. I just can't think of anything good.

And since he is a starter now, and after having some fantastic plays in the last week, he deserves one.

so I taped the game. I always tape games I go to in case something happens that confuses me, and then I can go back and watch it when I get home.

I think I need to save this one, for sure.

who is this Garcia you people keep talking about? sorry im at work still and havent caught any highlights (but caught the game on the radio!)

James-- Freddy Garcia, of the BitchSox. I suspect part of the media frenzy on his 102 pitch complete game (5-1 BSox win) was really media frenzy over the fact that it was a North Side-South Side series.

To which I will only add: 74 freaking pitches, media people. 74. Is that less than 102? Yes, I think it is. (Oh, by the way, so is 93). Where is the love? I better see some serious media love come morning.

Is anyone else going to the game and sitting in the cheap seats tomorrow? I plan to be there.

I hope so, Nick. I have to work my part-time job tomorrow, but I should be done in plenty of time to make it to the Dome.

Cubs fan here. Could I get a little love radiated down here for the remainder of our series against your enemy and ours?

We need it.

Yay Jackal!

I'll be at the game tomorrow, but I have no idea where we're sitting. The cheaper the better, probably. We're holding a bachelor party for a good friend of mine. Look for a bunch of Johnnie alumns who've had far too many beer larges ;-)

August 10, 1944

The modern record for fewest pitches in a nine-inning complete game is Charley "Red" Barrett. He tossed 58 pitches for the Boston Braves in a 2-0 shutout of the Reds.

The game lasted 1:15!

Dear Mr. Brick,

Believe me, we are all Cubs fans.

Love,
Batgirl

Johnnie alums, Joel? I think I'd fit right in.

HooliganKat-
I've noticed the people getting up in the middle of innings, too. I've now taken to not standing up to let them through until it's conventient for me. Keeping score, I can be writing down a play and say, politely, "Just a minute." Thus, they have to stand and wait, which I hope makes them think twice before leaving in the middle of an inning. If not, at least I still don't have to move when I'm trying to watch a play...

Just Beth

how surprising... Sports Center didn't even mention Silva's complete game OR the pitch count. they fawned over JJ's catch and throw to first to double off Spivey, though.

how can they not mention Silva? I have some hate mail to write...

I just saw that kafumbly. I screamed aloud, "74 pitches! C'mon!" I think all my neighbors heard me, but I don't really care. F*** SportsCenter. F*** them up their stupid asses.

Nick, you'll fit in, huh? How well? Are you a Johnnie alum yourself?

Does anyone else think that A) this "Trifecta" thing is stupid and B) the NBA sucks?

he's gonna get love on BB2N!!! yay!

I know! Woooo!

I hate the trifecta...I would rather have full length BBTN

Jeff Brantley just gave Silva some love on BBTN

Wait, THAT is all the love he gets? At least it got mentioned, I guess.

I know, but that is absolutely gushing for Brantley (whom I have never been able to stand).

THERE WE GO! Yay Jackal!

OK, JJ's DP was better than Mike Lowell's play

but there should have been more. at least they mentioned that it's the fewest pitches since they started keeping track. but they need to do some research and then give him his due respect tomorrow.

God I hate Jeff Brantley

That was not nearly enough love.

"I'm not starting [tonight]," Radke deadpanned. "Silva can start for me."

:-D Sometimes I wonder if Bradke has a sense of humor. I guess the answer is "yes".

What's a "trifecta"?

"August 10, 1944

The modern record for fewest pitches in a nine-inning complete game is Charley "Red" Barrett. He tossed 58 pitches for the Boston Braves in a 2-0 shutout of the Reds.

The game lasted 1:15!"

Losing Pitcher: Terry Mullholland

LOL@Kurtis: "Losing Pitcher: Terry Mullholland"

The trifecta is a "new" ESPN thing where they split 1 hour between BBTN, the NBA show and Outside the Lines.

except for not knowing who our shortstop is and no mention of a record being broken, this is a nice write-up from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. click my name for the link.

Thanks kafumbly, that was a nice article.

I loved the stat on the warm-up pitches. The Strib mentioned that, too.

So, for the second time this season, a complete-game shut-out is followed by a one-run shut-out. Let's see if they can extend the streak.

k-bro

One-run shutout???? D'oh. Sorry, haven't finished my coffee yet.

I meant one-run complete game.

Whatever it's called, I want the Twins to do it again.

k-bro

Joel, I am indeed an SJU alum ('03).

I'm excited for tonight's game; let's see how Bradke follows up these last few starts by the Twins' staff.

Good work Jackal!! BOD status deserved!

I can't wait to see what Bradke and El Presidente are going to do. There are only 3 pitchers left in the Brewers' bullpen after pulling their starter in the 2nd inning.

I get to take my first trip of the season to the Dome. I'm downright giddy :)

Here's hoping for 2 more complete games and a 5 game winning streak...

*grin* @ Nick & Joel...

AT and I might have to have a chat about a friendly competition of some kind between Johnnies & Gusties...

Holy smokes, Nick. We're the same year. Off the top of my head, the only Nick I know who was SJU'03 was my freshman year roommate. If you are he, I'm going to laugh. Lots.

For everyone, it turns out we're going to probably be in lower left field tonight. We're also going to be tailgating/grilling/drinking before the game (I have no idea where exactly, though). The bachelor is an avid reader of the site as well (and occasional poster (Matt N.)). So if you see what appears to be an unruly mob o' Johnnies, stay away. Stay safely far away.

kafumbly: Great article. Almost makes up for ESPNs lack of love for the Jackal.

CapitalBabs, a competition, huh? I'll feel bad about winning that one. Swedes love me (hit the link to my site and skim the newest posting). Though if you insist, I'm sure we Johnnies would be up for it. We've been known to be the competitive type.

Well, Joel, I unfortunately can't make you laugh, as my freshman year roommate is now in med school in Trinidad, and is not named Joel.

I hope the rain doesn't ruin your tailgate. Then again, we Johnnies will brave the elements. (Or at least I will, for some insanely cold SJU football games). :)

I will be at the game again tonight, hopefully minus the kids, but probably not. Thanks for the idea Just Beth, I'll give it a whirl next time.

I'll be in the usual spot 214 around row 14, with my Morneau Twins T-shirt on AGAIN, I don't want to jinx it, so I won't say more. Oh and a word to the wise, I'm going to happy hour before, so I could be a bit intoxicated.

Alrighty then. So it ends at "same school, same year and chances are we've both been at the bar or a football game at the same time." That's still cool. Batgirl brings us together nonetheless.

Stupid rain. Stupid MN. About the only thing I miss about growing up in western ND was the lack of rain. I'm all for open-air baseball and I can't wait for a new stadium, but it best have a retractable roof and not a leaky one. Did you see that a week or so ago, the Brewers had a rain delay? Silly Brewers. We're going to beat you today.

I think I can safely say that that was the best game I've been to in my entire life. For one thing, my dad bought me beer and a brat at Hubert's before the game, then you had Carlos "I'm reminiscent of Eddie Guardado, but instead I'm a really good starter and throw with the wrong arm" Silva blowing away the Brewers (If the Twins make a big trade this year, it will be with the Brewers... mark my words) and Juan freaking Castro hitting the ball to the moon, and LNP making like first base was his home, it was fantastic! Ooh, then there was the Jones to Morneau double play, that was pretty rad too. But the best part for me, personally, was that we were in the Papa John's pizza row! (I got pepporoni) And I was on the Jumbotron!

Now, I've been a few states away from the Metrodome for the past couple years, so I havn't been to a game since 2003, but can I just say that the new turf and the electronic wrap around scoreboard on the face of the upper deck does wonders for the overall appearance of the place? And when you get 30 large packed in there, that stands to help a bit too.

Only problem with the night? Fat kid. No sense of personal space. Whiffle ball/bat night. Right next to me.
That and I saw 0 boyfried shirts! Where was everyone?!

Joel-
Where in western ND? I'm from New Salem/Center/Hazen/Beulah/Glen Ullin. Take your pick, I grew up on a farm 20-30 miles from each.

ndtf, I grew up east of Minot in a little splotch on Hwy 2 called Granville. Shortly after my HS graduation, my parents moved to Dickinson. So now when I drove "home" I use New Salem, Glen Ullin, Hebron, Richardton, etc. as mileposts ;)

Hey! In my baby years I lived in Minot too. But now I'm a city guy. Thats really all I can add to that conversation.

*drive. "...when I drive home..." I know my verb tenses. I swear.

Ryan, interesting web site you've got. I didn't think I'd ever see a fan club devoted to those four athletes! I think I found my reading material for the rest of the morning :)

It's ok, Joel. I'm a victim of the New Salem Public School system (go Holsteins!). I won't judge your grammar.

It's really good to see that all you batlings have something in common with my fellow B**** Sox fans -- hating ESPN and BBTN!

BTW, sorry I can't share in your Cub love. I respect the Twins, their organization and their fans (especially all of you batlings), but I cannot respect your Cub love.

Peace.

mjm