Minnesota Twins: Dozier, Sano Lead Team Past Rangers in Series Win
Minnesota Twins: Afterthoughts. The thoughts and interesting stats from the previous games against the Texas Rangers.
With the help of two strong outings by Phil Hughes and Ervin Santana, the Minnesota Twins in a position to sweep the Texas Rangers.
In game one, Hughes was pitching his best game of the year. The Twins were down 2-0 heading into the top of the fifth inning. With one out, Kennys Vargas walked then Chris Gimenez walked. Eddie Rosario struck out leaving the inning up to Byron Buxton. He walked, loading the bases for Brian Dozier.
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
Dozier doubled to left-center-field, clearing the bases and give the Twins a lead and eventual 3-2 victory.
In game two, Santana allowed just one run and the Twins scored seven runs in the fifth inning; an inning in which the Twins hit three singles, three doubles, and a solo home run.
The big fifth inning propelled the Twins to an 8-1 win.
The final game of the series, a 14-3 loss, was reminiscent of the 2016 Twins.
Throughout the series, Dozier and Sano swung the most productive bats of anyone on the team.
Sano went 6-for-12 in the series while Dozier knocked in at least one RBI in each game.
Dozier, in addition to the three RBI from game one, knocked in five RBI in the series increasing his season total to eight.
Before the series, Sano was slashing .241/.413/.569. He is slashing .286/.432/.600 after hitting .500 against the Rangers.
The contributions from Dozier and Sano bode well for the Twins if it continues. Through most of the first month, both have provided the Twins with the necessary offense to remain competitive.
Next: Afterthoughts: Poor Pitching Leads to Series Loss
The Rangers series was yet another example of that.