Minnesota Twins Game Grades as Twins Power Way to 8-1 Win
Turnaround is Fair Play as Minnesota Twins Out-slug Brewers to Gain Split
Last night’s disappointing loss, as the Brewers kept hitting balls out of the park to enlarge their lead, was washed away today as the Minnesota Twins turned the tables and slammed their way to an 8-1 win at Miller Park.
The Twins outhit and out-pitched their Wisconsin neighbors in their most complete game so far in 2016. Twins collected 11 hits, including 2 home runs and 3 doubles, and walked 9 more times as they filled the bases inning after inning. Meanwhile, Ricky Nolasco made short work of the Brewers, pitching 6.1 strong innings and allowing 1 run on just 5 hits, striking out 7 Brewers while only walking one.
Miguel Sano atoned for some recent fielding misplays by reaching base five times (3 walks, single, HR), while also driving in two. Eddie Rosario chipped in with a career high four hits, while also collecting an RBI.
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Twins still struggled driving in runners. With all the hits and walks, Twins still stranded runners all over the bases. John Ryan Murphy was 0-5 today with RISP, the team ending the day 4-13, with one hit being an infield single and another a line drive single to center that didn’t score a run.
Even those struggles weren’t enough to deny the Twins win #5 on the year. After loading the basing with no outs and failing to score in the top of the 5th inning, Ricky Nolasco (1-0) got the Twins back up to bat after getting the Brewers out in the bottom of the 5th on 8 pitches.
The Brewers’ starter, Taylor Jungmann (0-3), struggled with his control. After walking just 5 in three previous starts, he walked 6 Twins batters in just 4 innings and was lifted.
After failing to put away the Brewers early, the Twins pulled away late on home runs by Miguel Sano and Brian Dozier. A heads up dash home by Rosario on a fly to short right field by Eduardo Nunez, gave the Twins their final run, and Nunez an RBI sac fly instead a lost at bat to a fly out.
2. Final. 1. 76. 8
A-. 11 hits, 9 walks, 6 strikeouts, 2 home runs and 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Sano reached base five times, collected 2 RBI, and hit his second homer of the year to nab the honors today over a 4-4 day from Rosario.. . Miguel Sano. OFFENSE
. Ricky Nolasco. STARTERS . A-. Team totals: 5 hits allowed, 1 walk, 0 home runs and 9 strikeouts. Nolasco pitched another quality game for Twins. Brewers only had five at bats with RISP (1-5).
. RELIEVERS . A. Team totals: 0 hits allowed, 0 walks, 0 home runs and 2 strikeouts. Casey Fien gets special mention for a quick 9th inning. Got the Brewers out on 6 pitches, 5 for strikes. .
No errors today, and Sano handled right field well, with a nice catch on a sinking liner in the 4th inning. . . Miguel Sano. DEFENSE . A
Next: Minnesota Twins Game Grades Out Slugged by Brewers
MVT: Miguel Sano
The Twins will continue interleague play visiting the Washington Nationals. Twins (5-11) have split their 4 games against the NL so far. Washington (11-4) continues their hot start after blistering competition in Spring Training. Both teams are coming off 4 game splits. Game time is 6:06 PM and will be on Fox Sports North Plus. Kyle Gibson will battle Gio Gonzalez as they each struggle for win #1 on the year.