In search of a Metrodome miracle, the Twins open a three-game weekend series with division-leading Detroit tonight. The Twins, who trail the Tigers by four games with the season ending on October 4, are 7-4 against Detroit in 2009. The Twins are 11-4 in their last 15 games with the Tigers in the dome (dating back to last year).
Joe Nathan now has 41 saves this season, moving him within three of tying his career-high of 44 in 2004.
Joe Mauer, who is likely to win a third American League batting title, now has 87 RBI, two more than his career high of 85.
The Vikings face a Lions team on Sunday that lost 45-27 to New Orleans in its season opener and the franchise has lost 18 consecutive games. Vikings defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy was asked by Sports Headliners about the mental challenge of playing Detroit. “Everyone knows they’re not a bad team,” he said. “And it’s the NFL, you can lose any week. And they always play us tough. We have to go out there and bring our ‘A’ game still.
“It’s not really about Detroit. It’s about us. As far as their situation, what do they have to lose? You play great ball when you have nothing to lose.”
Acclaimed pro football writer Peter King predicts the Lions will beat the Vikings, 23-21, https://www.fannation.com/peter_king_challenge/peter_king.
If the Vikings don’t allow a Detroit running back to total 100 yards, it will be the 25th consecutive game Minnesota has accomplished that.
The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson became the first running back in NFL history ever to rush for 180 yards or more and score three touchdowns on opening weekend when he earned those numbers at Cleveland last Sunday.
Worry warts can fuss over Peterson being on this week’s cover of Sports Illustrated. Don’t think there’s an S.I. jinx? Maybe not, but just last week the Oklahoma State football program made the cover and on Saturday the Cowboys were upset by Houston.
California connections: Former Viking Steve Jordan’s son Cameron Jordan is a junior and starting defensive end who made Pac-10 conference honorable mention last season for the Golden Bears. Will Kapp, son of former Viking Joe Kapp, is a second string sophomore fullback. Famed University of Minnesota surgeon Dr. John Najarian played football for California in the 1940s.
Gopher coach Tim Brewster said it hasn’t been decided whether freshman linebacker Sam Maresh, who had heart surgery last year, will be redshirted.
Former Patrick Henry football coach Don Swanson, for decades a strong leader and advocate for prep football in the state, passed away from cancer earlier this week. A memorial service followed by lunch will be held beginning at noon on Monday at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church at 5025 Knox Ave South.
MIAC football teams start conference play tomorrow (Saturday) and all teams except Gustavus have at least one win in non-league games this season.
Former Star Tribune hockey writer Chris Snow is Director of Hockey Operations for the Wild.
Bloomington native and former Wild forward Mark Parrish is at the Canucks training camp.
Former North St. Paul High and St. Cloud State player Bret Hedican retired Tuesday after 17 seasons as an NHL defenseman. Hedican was with Carolina in 2006 when the team won the Stanley Cup.
Wild forwards Mikko Koivu and Martin Havlat were scheduled yesterday to deliver tickets to selected season ticket holders at their homes.
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