Santana strikes out 17.

If the Rangers would have kept Sammy Sosa on the bench where he belongs, Johan Santana might have thrown a no-hitter today to go along with his 17 strikeouts.

Early on, you could tell Santana had his good stuff. He cruised through the first few innings and then gave up the no-hit bid in the 4th inning when Sosa lined a single to right.

Santana had a career day at the Metrodome anyway, giving up just two hits (both to Sosa) and striking out 17 Texas Rangers batters.

He set a Twins record and came within 3 K's of tying the major league mark for strikeouts in a nine-inning game (20.) Oh by the way, the Twins won 1-0. Yes, the offense continues to dominate opposing pitching. Too bad Santana can't hit and pitch full time, the Twins could get back in this thing.