Minnesota Twins Game Grades: 18 Ks in Loss to Nationals

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

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.

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

Schedule