Minnesota Twins post game report: Bullpen falters late as Twins drop finale

Happy 4th of July to Minnesota Twins nation as the Twins lose the series finale in Oakland to the A’s by a score of 7-2.

A great extra-innings comeback win in yesterdays contest would prove useful as the Minnesota twins dropped the series finale today against the Athletics. Ace and newly minted All-Star Game pitcher Jose Berrios would be called on as today’s starter facing off against Oakland’s Tanner Anderson. A close game throughout would be busted open in the bottom of the 8th thanks to a Marcus Semien grand slam, his second homer of the afternoon.

Twin Takeaway – The good

Though the Twins would ultimately lose the holiday contest, it was a great spectacle for fans enjoying some baseball on Independence Day. It was a solid all-around effort lead by Twins ace Jose Berrios throwing 5 innings of 6 hit baseball while allowing 3 earned runs. Though the offense didn’t push enough runs across the plate, they still managed to grab 11 hits on the day. Nelson Cruz lead the way for the offense with a 3 for 5 day at the plate while scoring 2 runs.

Twin Takeaway – The bad

Mike Morin had a rough 8th inning today for a Minnesota Twins bullpen that had pitched well to that point. Back to back singles to start the inning followed by a hit-by-pitch would lead to the untimely (or timely depending on how you view it) homer by Marcus Semien. With an ERA of 3.18 on the season, even after the grand slam, Morin is still a valuable offseason addition for this Minnesota Twins relief staff.

Though the Twins didn’t do quite enough to secure the victory, it was still a terrific day for some baseball. Enjoy the rest of your 4th of July and get ready for the Texas Rangers as they visit Minnesota for a 3-game set. With Texas in the midst of their own slump, let’s hope the Twins can finish the first half with a boom.