We all know what a great player Joe Mauer is, and on Saturday evening in Kansas City he built on that legend. The Twins catcher finished 5-for-6 with two RBI in Minnesota’s extra-innings victory over the Royals. It was his third career five-hit game and the 14th time Mauer has tallied four-plus hits.
Mauer, 27, signed a massive $184 million contract extension this spring, but it hasn’t slowed him down one bit. In fact, he’s off to the one of the best starts of his career, batting .381/.453/.571 with seven doubles, a triple and 12 RBI through 63 at-bats.
The Twins, for those who dabble in the value of standings this early in the season, are 13-5 and sit comfortably atop the American League Central. With the White Sox struggling mightily and a Detroit pitching staff that includes Dontrelle Willis, the Twins have a real opportunity to run away with that division.
