4/16/84: Mr. April 16

No score, top of the 2nd at the Metrodome, Mike Smithson on the mound, he throws one to the Angels designated hitter, who hits it high, deep and... That's how it started for the Halos on this night for "Mr. April 16," who's been known under many nicknames over his long career, including the one most iconic of all, "Mr. October." We'll hear from him again later, but first, there are some other people we have to hear from.

Brian Downing, who scorched a 3-run bomb off Smithson in the 3rd, 5-0 Angels at that point.

Bob Boone, who slugged a solo homer in the top of the 4th to make it 6-0, then after Rob Wilfong tripled home Brian Downing, Boone brought in Wilfong. 8-0 Angels, only halfway through, but Mike Smithson was through. As for his Twins, however... 

They were through, dead in the water against Angel starter Ron Romanick, though the spark of an error against SS Dick Schofield in the bottom of the 6th ignited a brief flame, a sac fly by Kent Hrbek put the Twins on the board, down 8-1 after 6. Then came the 8th inning wildfire, Romanick on fumes after a leadoff walk to Len Faedo, singles by Darrell Brown and Tim Teufel (RBI) then... Hrbek poured the gasoline. 8-5 when Tom Brunansky singled, signaling the end for Romanick and a save chance for Luis Sanchez. A Sanchez error cut the lead to 8-6, where it stood after 8. Oh, remember that guy named "Mr. April 16?"

3-run homer, top of the 9th, Angels 11 Twins 6 (F). Have yourself a night, Reggie. You earned it.

CAL 11-17-2 MIN 6-10-0 WP-Romanick LP-Smithson. SV-Sanchez HR-Jackson (1,2) Downing, Boone, Hrbek CAL 6-7 MIN 4-7

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