Minnesota Twins Lose Season Finale to the Kansas City Royals
In the last game of the season the Minnesota Twins lose to the Kansas City Royals 6-1.
With no chance of making the playoffs, Paul Molitor sent out a lineup with back-up players and September call-ups. Ricky Nolasco started on the mound for the Twins. He allowed five runs in 2 and 2/3 innings. He also walked three and gave up four hits. Brian Duensing, J.R. Graham, Ryan O’Rourke and A.J. Acther came out of the bullpen.
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Danny Santana drove in the only run of the game for the Twins on a single to right field in the fourth inning. Max Kepler had one hit in five at-bats. More importantly, the hit was his first major league hit.
With the loss, the Twins end the season with a 83-79 record. They finished in the top five among American League teams with 46 wins at home. Kyle Gibson and Phil Hughes tied for the team lead with 11 wins.
Trevor Plouffe led the Twins with, a career high, 86 RBI. Brian Dozier led the team, a career high as well, with 28 home runs. Dozier also led the American League in several defensive categories such as range factor per game by a second baseman. Eddie Rosario showed off his arm by finishing in the top three for assists by an outfielder in the AL with 16.
Overall the Twins finish the year in second place behind the Royals. A far cry from the 90-plus loss years in the past.