Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Twins Rally Back for Win
The Minnesota Twins rallied for a win after losing a 4-0 lead.
The Minnesota Twins looked as if a familiar script this season would repeat itself tonight. The team had staked itself to a healthy lead only to have it quickly evaporate.
However, the offense battled back, retook the lead and then the bullpen held. It was a welcome change in narrative.
The Twins are now 18-40 with the win.
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Ricky Nolasco had the start for the Twins and was effective through the first four innings. But, in the 5th he fell apart and allowed 4 earned runs. He came out for the 6th but was pulled with 2 outs and in total was charged with all 5 runs.
Michael Tonkin and Buddy Boshers both failed to get their man and it took a third reliever, Trevor May, to get that elusive 3rd out.
Taylor Rogers had a scoreless inning with a strikeout and Ryan Pressly threw a clean 8th. Brandon Kintzler, newly thrust into the closer’s role, sealed the deal for the Twins.
Joe Mauer got the scoring going in the first inning with a solo shot. After a Kurt Suzuki RBI single in the 2nd, Trevor Plouffe put the Twins up by 4 with a 2 run homer. Plouffe was crucial in the game with that dinger and the go ahead RBI in the 7th that retook the lead
82. 7. 2. Final. 5
Trevor Plouffe. OFFENSE . A-. 14 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, 3 home runs and 2 for 11 RISP. 6 Twins had multiple hit nights and Joe Mauer, Byung-Ho Park and Trevor Plouffe all had home runs. Plouffe easily gets the special mentions for the big knocks .
Totals: 11 hits allowed, 1 walk, 3 home runs, and 3 strikeouts.. . Ricky Nolasco. STARTER . D
B+. The ‘pen was responsible for 3.1 innings and allowed no runs. They struck out 2 and allowed 3 hits. The newly appointed part time closer, Kintzler, allowed a hit but shut the door with a strikeout. . . Brandon Kintzler. RELIEVERS
B. The Twins made no errors and completed a double play. . . DEFENSE
Next: What Should the Twins' Draft Strategy Be?
MVT: Trevor Plouffe
The Twins will continue their set against the Miami Marlins at Target Field tonight. First pitch is at 7:10 PM CT. Ervin Santana gets the start for the Twins.