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Minnesota Twins Game Grades: 18 Ks in Loss to Nationals

By Michael McKee

Apr 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Twins mowed down by Nationals in loss this afternoon

The Minnesota Twins were almost completely shut down by dominant Washington Nationals pitching today. With two straight losses, the Twins are now 5-13.

Phil Hughes was on the mound today for the Twins and did his part in giving the team a chance to win. He went 7 innings and allowed two earned runs.

The offense wasn’t able to support him and get him the win he deserved. They were completely dominated by Tanner Roark.

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Casey Fien allowed a hit and struck out two working the 8th inning in relief of Hughes.

Offensively, the Twins struck out 18 times. That’s only nine outs that didn’t come via a strikeout. Roark racked up 15 and the Nats bullpen struck out 3.

Joe Mauer and Max Kepler had the only hits for the Twins. Kepler doubled and Mauer singled. They were also the only Twins to reach 2nd base.

Miguel Sano walked but also K’d three times. Seven Twins struck out two times and every starter struck out at least once. Pinch hitter Jorge Polanco was the only Twins batter to not strike out on the afternoon.

It was a perfect storm composed of a strike out happy team meeting a pitcher in a deep groove.

90. 0. 2. Final. 2

Max Kepler. OFFENSE . F. 2 hits, 4 walks, 18 strikeouts, 0 home run and 0 for 3 RISP. In a season so far characterized by an underwhelming offense, this migh have been their worst showing yet. The special mention goes, pretty much by default, to Kepler. .

Phil Hughes. STARTERS . B+. Totals: 6 hits allowed, 2 walks, 0 home runs, and 2 strikeouts. Hughes was effective but had no run support in a hard luck loss. .

A-. Hughes 7 strong innings meant the Twins only needed one reliever who also did well. . Casey Fien. RELIEVERS

B+. Kepler threw out a runner at 2nd base<b> </b> . . Max Kepler. DEFENSE

Next: MiLB Weekly Roundup

MVT: Phil Hughes

The Twins will play game 3 of their set against the Nationals at Nationals Park tomorrow. First pitch is at 12:35 PM CT. Tyler Duffey makes a spot start for the Twins

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