Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Still Winless in 2016

Minnesota Twins shutout in Kansas City and remain winless

The Minnesota Twins have set a franchise record (since 1961) for their worst start to a season with 5 losses to open the 2016 campaign.

Tommy Milone made his first start of the season and went 4.2 innings.

He allowed 2 earned runs (4 runs) and handed the ball off to Casey Fien.

More from Puckett's Pond

Fien’s disastrous start to 2016 continued as he earned 3 runs over his one inning of work.

He allowed 3 hits, a walk and a home run while striking out one. Fien was pulled leaving a runner on 1st. The Twins looked to Michael Tonkin to get the 3rd out of the 6th but he promptly gave up a triple which cashed the inherited runner.

Glen Perkins escaped allowing a run in the 8th inning by the skin of his teeth.

Offensively, a big ol’ goose egg. Too make matters worse, Danny Santana exited the game with a hamstring strain. We wish we had some sort of positive spin to put on all this for you but we’re struggling right now.

2. Final. 7. 7. 0

. Eduardo Escobar. OFFENSE . D-. 7 hits, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts, 0 home runs and 0 for 4 RISP. The Twins are now an abysmal 3/37 with runners in scoring position on the season. The only bright (ish) spots were Dozier’s single and walk and Escobar’s 2/3 night

Totals: 4 hits allowed, 1 walk, 2 home runs and 4 strikeouts.. . Tommy Milone. STARTERS . C

RELIEVERS . D. Perkins did manage to pitch a scoreless 8th inning, for which he receives the special mention here (for lack of a better option), but he loaded the bases and had two wild pitches.. . Glen Perkins

Two <strong><a href=. . . DEFENSE . D

Next: 2016 Puckett's Staff Predictions

MVT: Brian Dozier

The Twins will face the Royals tomorrow afternoon at Kauffman Stadium to wrap their 3 game set. First pitch is at 1:15 PM CT. Ricky Nolasco makes his first start of the season.