Minnesota Twins: Red Hot Dozier Blasts Sox

Jun 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) celebrates after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) celebrates after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Well, when you’re hot, you’re hot and right now there’s no one hotter for the Minnesota Twins than Brian Dozier.

A slow start to the season will prevent Dozier from making his second consecutive trip to the All-Star Game but it’s safe to say had he been hitting like he has this month; he would have no doubt been a selection.

Dozier collected three hits, scored two runs, drove in four and connected on a pair of home runs as the Minnesota Twins (25-51) topped the Chicago White Sox (38-39) for the first time this season, 4-0.

Kyle Gibson entered the game with an 0-5 record and a 6.05 ERA but the way he pitched against the mighty lineup of the White Sox, he might as well have been a staff Ace.

More from Puckett's Pond

Gibson scattered five hits through seven shutout innings and struck out seven for his first victory of the season. He outpitched Jose Quintana who had been pitching very well for Chicago.

Quintana was hit hard by mostly Dozier, allowing four runs through seven innings.

Dozier’s homers came in the second to give the team a 1-0 and his second came in the sixth with a pair of runners on.

That would be all the Minnesota Twins would need for the night. Ryan Pressly and Brandon Kintzler each pitched an inning of shutout ball in relief with the latter tossing a 1-2-3 ninth.

It was a very clean, very impressive win, perhaps one of the most impressive of the season for the team.

2. Final. 0. 128. 4

OFFENSE . A. 7 hits, 3 walks, 10 strikeouts, 2 home runs. There’s no one hotter right now than Dozier as he’s starting to show signs of what made him an All-Star in 2015. Dozier connected with a pair of home runs that gave the Twins a 4-0 lead. He went 3-for-4 with four RBI’s while the equally hot <a href=. . Brian Dozier

. Kyle Gibson. STARTERS . A. Team totals: 5 hits allowed, 1 walk, 0 home runs and 7 strikeouts. Where has this been all season? Gibson followed up <a href=

A. Team totals: 1 hit allowed, 0 walks, 0 home runs and 3 strikeouts. Kintzler shut the door on the White Sox, continuing his impressive first season with the Minnesota Twins. He made <a href=. . Brandon Kintzler. RELIEVERS

. . DEFENSE . B. A single error, a single blemish in the Minnesota Twins’ shutout victory.

MVT(s): Brian Dozier and Kyle Gibson

Next: Twins/White Sox Preview

The Minnesota Twins will go for the series win Wednesday night in Chicago. They’ll send Ricky Nolasco (3-5, 4.95) to the mound. Chicago will feature recently-acquired James Shields (2-9, 6.22) who is looking to find that same magic he had when he pitched so well against the American League Central during his time with the Kansas City Royals. Game is set for 7:10 PM CST.