Note to readers: Columnist La Velle E. Neal III will be updating this regularly from the Target Field press box during Wednesday's Game 2. Follow along and comment, and keep a closer eye on the action with live pitch-by-pitch updates on our Star Tribune GameView.
6:38 p.m.: Arms won it
The Twins are moving on. But not before a late manicure.
Closer Jhoan Duran entered for the ninth inning with the Target Field crowd of 38,518 in a full-throated stupor. But he shook his hand following his final warm-up pitch and asked for time. Two trainers, manager Rocco Baldelli, two umpires and the entire Twins infield met on the mound to see what was wrong. Twins trainer Nick Paparesta appeared to work over one of Duran's fingers or thumb (we'll know more in a bit).
Once he was ready after a few more warm-up pitches. It was Duran at his best. He fired off 102 mph fastballs, one splinker that hit 98 and a sharp breaking ball as he shook off a one-out single, struck out three and locked up a 2-0 victory.
On to the division series. Despite having an improved offense heading into the postseason, the Twins did this one with pitching. Toronto scored just one run in the two games. The Twins have served notice that opponents must pack a lunch when facing this staff.
6:31 p.m.: Houston, here we come
Twins win, 2-0. Series over. The Twins will head to Houston for the AL Division Series. More in a minute.
6:20 p.m.: Into the 9th we go ...
Bullpens are volatile from year to year. Especially for the Twins this season.
I just watched Brock Stewart, an unknown at the start of the campaign, strike out two during a scoreless seventh inning. Stewart was called up early in the season and was an instant force as the Twins sought to stabilize its relief corps in front of closer Jhoan Duran.