For the second time in four days, bad weather forced the Minnesota Twins off the field and into a rain delay.
Thankfully, unlike Saturday, the delay on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays didn't require a doubleheader to be played. That's what happened a few days earlier when the Twins and A's game was rained out and folded into a Sunday doubleheader -- one that Minnesota swept.
Things were a little less fun on Tuesday night.
Just four pitches after Pablo Lopez gave up a solo home run that broke a tie, the tarp came out as a storm rolled through the Minneapolis area.
Latest Twins vs. Rays rain delay updates (June 18, 2024)
UPDATE: The Twnis-Rays game will resume at 9:25 pm CT.
Game is planned to resume at 9:25 p.m. CT.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) June 19, 2024
The rain delay seemed like a possibilty at first pitch with a Tornado Watch in effect for most of the state, but it looked like the worst had been avoided. That didn't end up being the case in the fifth inning, though, which is when the game was paused.
We have entered a rain delay. We will provide more information when it is available. pic.twitter.com/7yKsMPR6V1
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 19, 2024
It was truly awful timing for the Twins.
Pablo Lopez allowed a three-run home run in the first inning to Randy Arozarena and then let in another run a few innings later, but Minnesota clawed back. In the bottom of the fourth, with the bases loaded, Willi Castro cleared the bases with a triple. He scored on a Trevor Larnach base hit a batter later, tying the game and recapturing some momentum.
It was the very next inning that Lopez allowed another home run, this time a solo shot by Brandon Lowe, and four pitches later the game was delayed.
Weather delays have been somewhat of a trend for Minnesota this year. The Twins still need to make up a game against the Guardians that got postponed until August, and have already played a pair of doubleheaders this year caused by bad weather.