He didn't just get lucky. He's not just a fluke or a flash in the pan. Andrew Albers is the real deal.
In his first major league game against the Kansas City Royals last week, Albers pitched into the ninth inning without allowing a run. If there were thoughts that the Minnesota Twins' newest pitcher couldn't repeat that performance, they were right.
The 27-year-old from North Battleford didn't repeat the performance, he topped it. Albers made his second start for the Twins Monday night and, as difficult as it was, he pitched even better than his first time out.
Albers threw a complete game shutout. It's the first by a Minnesota pitcher since fellow Canadian Scott Diamond did it in 2012. Albers allowed only two hits and gave up no walks. He also needed just 102 pitches to mow down the Cleveland Indians' potent offence.
The soft-tossing lefty had two strikeouts and, in two games, has yet to allow a run or an extra base hit. As if that's not impressive enough, only one base runner has made it as far as second base in Albers' starts. That was in the ninth inning against the Royals when he gave up a walk and a single as he showed signs of fatigue.
Albers is putting together a dominant start to his time in the big leagues. His 17 1/3 scoreless innings streak to start his career puts him within reach to break a 106-year-old Major League Baseball record. In 1907, George McQuillan began his big league career as a starting pitcher with 25 shutout innings. The record has never been reached by another starter. It was bettered by relief pitcher Brad Ziegler in 2008, who had a 39 inning streak.
Thanks to Albers' strong performance, Minnesota beat Cleveland 3-0 with home runs from Brian Dozier and Trevor Plouffe.
It would appear Albers has earned himself another big league start. He should be scheduled to pitch over the weekend against the Chicago White Sox with a couple tough acts to follow.
