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Target Field, Minneapolis. October 3, 1916.
Game 1: American League Wild Card Series
Baltimore 1, Minnesota 0
The mission was clear, and the stakes were high. Baltimore had traveled into enemy territory, their objective simple: silence the Target Field crowd and steal Game One. It required precision. It required nerve. It required a man like Sal Cantu.
And he delivered. With all the poise of a veteran operative, Cantu sliced through Minnesota’s lineup like a stiletto in the dark, scattering nine hits over seven shutout innings. No explosions, no dramatics—just clean, efficient elimination of any threat. Agent A. Jeoffrey closed the dossier with two flawless innings, earning the save and securing a crucial 1-0 advantage in this best-of-three engagement.
The lone run? Delivered not with a flourish, but with cool, calculated execution. In the top of the third, Jimmy Hyland—once fifth in the league in home runs—grounded one to the infield. Not flashy, not loud, but effective. Herrera crossed the plate. Mission accomplished.
Minnesota’s operative, C. Yovanovich, was formidable in his own right—eight innings, one earned run, and five walks surrendered under relentless pressure. But in the game of inches and espionage, even the narrowest of margins can shift the balance of power.
Baltimore left thirteen on base. Minnesota stranded eleven. Pressure mounted, chances emerged, and each side danced a delicate waltz with opportunity and regret. But only one team escaped with the asset: victory.
The final act of this operation will unfold tomorrow, under the same cool October skies. One more win for Baltimore, and the Twins’ season ends not with a bang—but with a whisper.
This message will self-destruct in nine innings.
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