Minnesota Twins Game Grades: Twins Stung by Rays

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.

7. 21. 5. 2. Final

11 hits, 2 walks, 10 strikeouts, 0 home runs and 5 for 14 RISP. Dozier, Mauer and Buxton had 2 hit games. Nunez had two hits, a walk and stole two bases . . Eduardo Nunez. OFFENSE . C-

D. Totals: 6 hits allowed, 3 walks, 3 home runs, and 4 strikeouts.. . Ervin Santana. STARTER

. Buddy Boshers. RELIEVERS . C-. The ‘pen was responsible for 3 innings and allowed two run. They struck out 2 and allowed 5 hits. Boshers gets the special mention

. DEFENSE . A. The Twins made no errors, completed two double plays, had an outfield assist and Michael Tonkin picked off a runner..

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.