Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Doubled Up by Nationals
![Apr 22, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) pitches during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fpuckettspond-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F04-2Fkyle-gibson-mlb-minnesota-twins-washington-nationals-850x560-486719ba7aa5aa1ed7e25324c194faa5.jpg)
Minnesota Twins lose after Kyle Gibson‘s poor start sinks them early
The Minnesota Twins had hoped to continue the positive momentum gained from their convincing win yesterday however Kyle Gibson had a very poor start and the offence didn’t show up until it was much too late.
Gibson went 3 innings and allowed 7 earned runs. He was touched for 4 runs right off the bat in the first inning.
In the 4th inning, Paul Molitor went to Michael Tonkin to control the bleeding.
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In relief, Tonkin pitched as long as Gibson was able to manage. Throughout his 3 innings Tonkin allowed a run on 2 hits, 2 walks and 1 home run.
Ryan Pressly pitched a scoreless 7th allowing one baserunner.
Ryan O’Rourke tossed a clean 8th inning and struck out two.
Offensively, the Twins didn’t get on the board until the 4th inning when Joe Mauer notched an RBI single. Eduardo Escobar singled in two in the 7th and Miguel Sano went deep in the 8th.
A big comeback was not in the offing for the Minnesota Twins as the final score was 8-4.
2. Final. 8. 90. 4
C+. 8 hits, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts, 1 home run and 2 for 6 RISP. All the Twins starters had hits or walks except for <strong><a href=. . Miguel Sano. OFFENSE
STARTERS . F. Totals: 7 hits allowed, 2 walks, 0 home runs, 1 hit batter and 1 strikeout. Gibson put the team in a hole they couldn’t dig out of.. . Kyle Gibson
A-. The ‘pen did a solid job ensuring the deficit didn’t continue to swell. They were tasked with 5 innings and allowed one run. O’Rourke gets the special mention with his two K’s . . Ryan O'Rourke. RELIEVERS
The Twins completed a double play recorded no errors<b> </b> . . . DEFENSE . B+
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MVT: Miguel Sano
The Twins will play game 2 of their set against the Nationals at Nationals Park tomorrow. First pitch is at 12:05 PM CT. Phil Hughes makes the start for Minnesota.