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Minnesota Twins post game: Twins offense erupts for big game

By Tyler Kruse

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 13: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Minnesota Twins is congratulated by Eddie Rosario #20 following a three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning at Miller Park on August 13, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 13: Marwin Gonzalez #9 of the Minnesota Twins is congratulated by Eddie Rosario #20 following a three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the eighth inning at Miller Park on August 13, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins offense erupted for a brilliant 13-run performance Thursday evening in the opening game of a 4 game set against the Texas Rangers.

Michael Pineda was welcomed back to the mound and pitched rather well in his return from the injured list. In an abbreviated 5 innings of work, Pineda secured 6 strikeouts while only giving up 3 earned runs. Though it wasn’t the best outing for Big Mike, it certainly looks like he’s getting back on track for the playoff push. While Pineda secured the victory, Devin Smeltzer backed him up with 4 solid innings of his own locking down the W for the Minnesota Twins by a score of 13-6.

Twin Takeaway – The good

Once again the offense shined for the Twinkies. Hanging a crooked 5-spot in the top half of the second inning, the Minnesota Twins bats got the run-support flowing early. Luis Arraez started the bomba party off right with a 2-run blast, his 3rd homer of the year. Jake Cave would follow that up with a double to drive in Marwin Gonzalez as Cave finished 2 for 3 with a walk and HBP on the night.

Speaking of Marwin, the veteran utility-man for the Twins had an outstanding night at the plate. He finished 4 of 5 with 2 RBIs and a run scored. While Arraez got the scoring started he also finished the scoring off for the Twins with a single that scored Jorge Polanco. Arraez continued his extraordinary rookie season with a 3 for 5 night at the plate.

Rather routine in these post-game comments is the talk of bombas. Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario each clobbered a solo homer of their own which brings them to 22 and 27 on the year respectively. It’s also important to note that Miguel Sano has only played in 71 games so far this year. Think of what this massive human being could do with a full year and solid health.

Twin Takeaway – The not-so-good

In a weird twist, I’m giving this one to the front-office. While the young pitchers for the Twins have been up and down for most of the season, I’ve never before seen careers handled like this by a front-office. Yes, I understand there was an inning or pitch count restriction for Pineda this evening. That doesn’t change the fact I think they’ve handled the bullpen situation as poorly as possible.

In what should be an outstanding pitchers duel tomorrow, Jake Odorizzi will face off against Mike Minor for the Rangers. Hopefully the Twins lineup saved some pop for the tomorrows game as it will surely be needed.

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