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Minnesota Twins lose series finale to Rays in 18 innings

By Tyler Kruse

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 30: Martin Perez #33 of the Minnesota Twins is removed in the third inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 30, 2019 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 30: Martin Perez #33 of the Minnesota Twins is removed in the third inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 30, 2019 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins dropped the series finale today in 18 innings to the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 5-2.

Martin Perez got the start for your Minnesota Twins today throwing a very solid 7 innings of 2-run baseball allowing 3 hits and securing 6 strikeouts. Both teams put up 2 runs within the first 2 innings of the game only to be held scoreless until the 18th. The Rays would break out for 3 runs against Ryne Harper to take the series finale by a score of 5-2.

Twin Takeaway – The good

The bullpen was outstanding in this one up until the last inning when Ryne Harper gave up 3 earned runs on 3 hits. The pen ended up with a total of 11 strikeouts on the evening while only giving up 5 hits in 11 innings. Though he struggled tonight, Ryne Harper has been very reliable out of the bullpen this year for the Twins.

In 36 games this year, Harper has an ERA of 2.97 and 32 strikeouts in just over 30 innings of work. Tyler Duffey has also shown vast amounts of improvement this year which should bode well for the Twins down the stretch. Though dominant in triple-A Duffey has always struggled when joining the major league club, hopefully, we’re witnessing the beginning of a breakout.

Twin Takeaway – The bad

The offense really struggled in this one going a combined 9 for 60 at the plate with 22 strikeouts. Miguel Sano continues his massive struggles with an 0-7 night at the plate with 3 strikeouts. Jake Cave also struggled mightily in this one grabbing 1 hit in 6 tries while striking out twice and lowering his average to .178.

Next. Minnesota Twins may look to move Jake Cave. dark

You can’t win them all and the Twins definitely didn’t do enough to walk away victorious from today’s contest. Though taking the L today, the Twins did manage to secure the series victory last night which is always a positive. The Twinkies start a 6-game road trip tomorrow kicking off a 3-game series in Chicago against the White Sox. Ace Jose Berrios gets the start for the Minnesota Twins.

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