Series #44
2005 Minnesota Twins
Record: 83-79
Finish: 3rd in AL Central
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Ball Park: Metrodome
WAR Leader: Johan Santana (7.2)
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2005.shtml
2011 Washington Nationals
Record: 80-81
Finish: 3rd in NL East
Manager: Jim Riggleman
Ball Park: Nationals Park
WAR Leader: Mike Morse
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSN/2011.shtml
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Game 1
At Metrodome
2011 Washington Nationals 7
2005 Minnesota Twins 0
WP: S. Strasburg (1-0) LP: J. Santana (0-1)
HR: A. laRoche (1), I. Desmond (1), R. Bernadina (1)
POG: Stephen Strasburg (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 115 P)
LaRoche 3 RBI and 2 R
Game 2
At Metrodome
2011 Washington Nationals 3
2005 Minnesota Twins 5
WP: M. Geurrier (1-0) LP: S. Burnett (0-1) S: J. Nathan (1)
HR: W. Ramos (1), S. Stewart (1), J. Jones (1)
POG: Francisco Liriano (6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 96 P)
Nick Punto 2 run single in 8th
Game 3
At Nationals Park
2005 Minnesota Twins 7
2011 Washington Nationals 4
WP: K. Lohse (1-0) LP: T. Gorzelanny (0-1) S: J. Nathan (2)
HR: N. Punto (1), R. Zimmerman (1), M. Morse (1)
POG: Nick Punto (1-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Punto a huge goahead 3 run HR in the 7th
Game 4
At Nationals Park
2005 Minnesota Twins 4
2011 Washington Nationals 2
WP: M. Guerrier (2-0) LP: H. Rodriguez (0-1) S: J. Nathan (3)
HR: J. Hairston (1), R. Bernadina (2), M. Cuddyer (1)
POG: Ross Detwiler (6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
Michael Cuddyer 2 run home run in 8th
Game 5
At Nationals Park
2005 Minnesota Twins 4
2011 Washington Nationals 2
WP: J. Santana (1-1) LP: S. Strasburg (1-1) S: C. Silva (1)
HR: R. Zimmerman (2), L. Ford (1)
POG: Johan Santama (5 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, W)
Justin Monreau bases clearing double
2005 Minnesota Twins Win Series 4 Games To 1
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Twins Come Through When It Matters
Minnesota Overcome Strasburg and Nats
In a highly anticipated best-of-seven playoff series between the 2011 Washington Nationals and the 2005 Minnesota Twins, the Twins emerged victorious, clinching the series in just five games. The Metrodome witnessed an outstanding performance by the Nationals' ace, Stephen Strasburg, in Game 1, as he led Washington to a convincing 7-0 victory. Strasburg dominated the mound, pitching a complete game with only two hits allowed and seven strikeouts. Adam LaRoche, Ian Desmond, and Roger Bernadina contributed offensively with home runs, while LaRoche drove in three runs.
However, the Twins bounced back in Game 2, securing a 5-3 win at the Metrodome. Francisco Liriano pitched effectively for the Twins, earning the Player of the Game designation with a six-inning, four-strikeout performance. The Twins' bullpen, led by Matt Guerrier and closed by Joe Nathan, held the Nationals at bay. Nick Punto, later named the series MVP, delivered a crucial two-run single in the eighth inning.
As the series shifted to Nationals Park for Game 3, the 2005 Twins continued their momentum, winning 7-4. Nick Punto proved instrumental once again, hitting a decisive three-run home run in the seventh inning. Kyle Lohse earned the win on the mound, and Joe Nathan secured his second save of the series.
Game 4 at Nationals Park saw the Twins take a 4-2 victory, with Matt Guerrier earning his second win and Joe Nathan notching his third save. Michael Cuddyer's two-run home run in the eighth inning proved pivotal. Ross Detwiler delivered a strong performance for the Nationals, pitching six innings with six strikeouts and no earned runs.
The decisive Game 5 at Nationals Park sealed the series for the 2005 Minnesota Twins with a 4-2 win. Johan Santana led the Twins with a five-inning, one-hit performance, earning him the Player of the Game honor. Justin Morneau's bases-clearing double provided the offensive highlight. The Twins' bullpen, anchored by Carlos Silva, secured the victory and the series.
Nick Punto's outstanding contributions, including two game-winning hits and five RBIs, earned him the well-deserved MVP of the series. The 2005 Minnesota Twins showcased a balanced and resilient performance, winning three out of five games on the road, ultimately advancing in the playoffs with a 4-1 series triumph over the 2011 Washington Nationals.
Series MVP:
(.263, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2 go ahead game winning hits)