Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Twins Stung by Rays

Jun 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Robbie Grossman (36) congratulates shortstop Eduardo Nunez (9) after scoring in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Robbie Grossman (36) congratulates shortstop Eduardo Nunez (9) after scoring in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in the third game of their 4 game series

The Minnesota Twins won the first game of their series at home against the Rays but have dropped the next two including yesterdays’ contest.

They’ll play for a series split in game 4 tomorrow afternoon.

With last night’s loss, the Twins’ have fallen to 16-39 on the season.

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Ervin Santana had the start for Minnesota and lasted 6 innings giving up 5 runs. He allowed 3 home runs: one in the 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Santana had been doing a good job of preventing the long ball this season until yesterday.

Michael Tonkin took over for Santana in the 7th and gave up yet another home run. He allowed 2 earned runs. Buddy Boshers pitched a scoreless 8th inning, intentionally walking one, a hit and a strikeout.

Offensively, the Twins had plenty of baserunners and chances but once again, batting with RISP was their nemesis. Eduardo Nunez and Byron Buxton had big games offensively. Nunez did hit into a key GIDP but was a sparkplug the rest of the night.

Next: Cedar Rapids Leads Division

MVT: Eduardo Nunez

The Twins will complete their 4 game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field tomorrow. First pitch is at 1:10 PM CT. Tyler Duffey gets the start for the Twins.

Schedule