Minnesota Twins post game: Cruz carries with 3 homers

The Minnesota Twins got back on track in Chicago as they beat the White Sox by a score of 10-3 thanks to a 3-homer night by slugger Nelson Cruz.

It was a battle of top pitchers this evening at Guaranteed Rate Field as Jose Berrios would get the start against Lucas Giolito. Both pitchers have had outstanding years thus far and were rewarded with an appearance at this year’s All-Star Game in Cleveland. The Twins were able to jump on Giolito early, tagging the starter for 7 runs through 5 innings while cranking 4 long-balls.

Berrios pitched 7 solid innings as he gave up 2 earned-runs and secured 8 strikeouts. Rookie Sean Poppen would finish the game off for the Twins in his second appearance of the season. Poppen tossed a clean 2 innings and notched 3 strikeouts.

Twin Takeaway – The good

Though Nelson Cruz carried the offense tonight, I’m going to have to give this one to the Twins pitching staff. Cruz was outstanding, no arguing that. The Twins DH almost lost one out of the park in his first plate appearance to go along with his THREE homers. Miguel Sano and Max Kepler each cranked a dinger of their own.

With that said, it was nice to see the pitching staff get back on track. The game tends to be a little cleaner when the staff ace starts on the bump. While Berrios had a great night, it was reassuring to see that the entire team played well from top to bottom, for the most part.

Twin Takeaway – The not-so-good

The Minnesota Twins defense had quite the off night. They racked up 4 errors which surely would’ve hurt more had they been playing a solid playoff contender. Fortunately, there’s a little more room for error when the team you’re playing is in rebuild mode. Other than that, it was a wonderful all-around game from your Minnesota Twins.

The Twinkies are back at it tomorrow against the White Sox as Michael Pineda will get the start against Dylan Cease. To make the playoffs, the Twins must handle the teams they’re supposed to beat. Easier said than done.