The Twins were defending a slim lead in the AL West when Joe Niekro’s pitches started drawing suspicion. By the fourth inning, the umpire had already pulled aside five balls that looked scuffed. When Niekro was asked to empty his pockets, out tumbled a 5-inch emery board and pieces of sandpaper. He was immediately ejected. “I file my fingernails between innings,” Niekro shared with reporters after the game.