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Minnesota Twins post game: Max Kepler walks it off

By Tyler Kruse

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 15: Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates as he crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run as Brad Boxberger #26 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during the fourth inning of the game on June 15, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 15: Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates as he crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run as Brad Boxberger #26 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during the fourth inning of the game on June 15, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins secured a much-needed victory against the Oakland Athletics today as they walked it off in the bottom of the 9th thanks to a Max Kepler single.

With the New York Yankees visiting Target Field for a 3-game series starting tomorrow, the Minnesota Twins were in must-win mode this afternoon. Though Max Kepler will receive all the praise thanks to his game-winning base knock, Ehire Adrianza is the true hero in this afternoons contest. Thanks to his RBI triple in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game while setting up the winning run, Adrianza fell a homer shy of the cycle.

Twin Takeaway – The good

The offense struggled at times throughout this one but was carried by 3 big-time performances at the plate. Also falling just shy of a cycle this afternoon, Max Kepler needed a triple to complete the feat. The other Minnesota Twins player that excelled at the plate was rookie Luis Arraez. Joining the aforementioned hitters, Arraez also secured 3 hits in today’s contest.

To go along with his late-game heroics, Max Kepler also drove in four runs, urging the Twins to victory. After surrendering the lead to the Athletics in the top of the 8th, the Twins needed a big inning to hang tight with their 3 game lead in the AL Central. A big comeback win may be just what the doctor ordered for this Minnesota Twins offense.

Twin Takeaway – The not-so-good

I’m not going to be too negative here, let’s just enjoy this win as we should. Michael Pineda had a solid start to this game grabbing 8 strikeouts and allowing 3 earned runs. He could have been slightly better in the walks department as he gave up 5. Though Trevor May struggled today, he still has quality “stuff” out of the shorthanded Twins bullpen.

dark. Next. Twins don't need to panic...yet

It will surely be “all hands on deck” in the weeks to come if the Twins want to secure a playoff berth this postseason. Martin Perez will face off against C.C. Sabathia as the Twins look to start a run towards the playoffs. I’ll leave you with a little message my pops sent me after the big Minnesota Twins victory today, “Have a day Max Kepler!”. Indeed Max, have a day. You too Ehire.

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