Handing out Minnesota Twins Grades for the Game of the Year
By Otto Johnson
The Minnesota Twins had one of the most exciting games in recent memory last night, so it’s time to grade the performances from the winning team.
The Minnesota Twins faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday in the most memorable Border Battle game I’ve ever seen and arguably the most exciting and heart-racing game since the infamous Game 163.
The Twins ended up winning the game in 12 innings after blowing a no-hitter, then a three-run lead, then having to turn to unsung relievers to hold on, to finally having a broken bat score the winning run to end it.
The game was all over the place in so many ways, and with over half of the Twins entire roster making an appearance, and we’ll be handing out grades to almost everyone. With so much to go through, let’s get into it.
Minnesota Twins that Failed the Test
Marwin Gonzalez: 0-5, 2 K, 1 Ejection
Marwin Gonzalez leads off our list after arguably his worst game all season. His batting average dropped seventeen points, his off-place throw lead to a costly error, and he was ejected after arguing a call. He was right about the call, but having to put Mitch Garver in at first is not what the Twins wanted to do. Grade: F.
Ildemaro Vargas: 0-1, 1 K, 1 Error
Not a great big-time introduction to Twins fans for Ildemaro Vargas. Vargas struck out in his only at-bat in the game, was out at third in the eleventh, and made the Twins’ second error of the season that cost two runs. Grade D-.
Taylor Rogers: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Talk about a rough outing. Twins closer Taylor Rogers not only cost Kenta Maeda a run, but he gave up three runs and was ripped apart on Twitter. He almost gave up more runs, but he managed to strike out back-to-back batters and get out of the inning to save himself from an F. Grade: D.
Nelson Cruz: 0-4, 1 BB, 2 K
Nelson Cruz may be the Twins’ MVP candidate, but he certainly didn’t play like it last night. Cruz went hitless in five at-bats and struck out twice before being lifted for a pinch runner. It was just a bad game, but he needs to be as present as he has been all year. Grade: D.