Minnesota Twins: Red Hot Dozier Blasts Sox
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
- Minnesota Twins: Making the Case for the Current 2023 Rotation
- Minnesota Twins: Does the MLB or the Twins have a Spending Problem?
- Minnesota Twins: 2 Possible Free Agent Reunions for 2023
- Minnesota Twins: Holiday Wish List for the rest of the Offseason
- Minnesota Twins: After signing with the Mets, Correa spurns Twins again
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.
MVT(s): Brian Dozier and Kyle Gibson
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.