Twins' Twitter takes victory lap after sending Mets, Devin Williams to dark place

After late-game heroics from center fielder Byron Buxton and second baseman Luke Keaschall, and a ninth-inning implosion from reliever Devin Williams, the Minnesota Twins handed the New York Mets their 12th straight loss with a 5-3 win in Game 1 of a three-game set at Citi Field on Tuesday. After the win, the Twins' X account didn't make a simple victory post; they hilariously taunted the Mets by highlighting "things you can get in a dozen," which included Mets losses.

As of 9 a.m. CST on Wednesday, the post has 2.8 million views, 48,500 likes, 5,900 reposts, 1,300 bookmarks and 1,100 replies. It's hilarious for Twins and other MLB fans, but for Mets fans, it serves as a reminder that the rest of the league sees New York's National League team as the laughingstock of MLB.

After Tuesday's loss, the Mets have the worst record in MLB (7-16) and trail the National League East's first-place Atlanta Braves (16-8) by 8 1/2 games. Even though it's only April, it already feels like the Mets' postseason hopes are out the window. No MLB team has ever made the playoffs after suffering a 12-game losing streak during the regular season.

Twins come back vs. Mets after trailing early Tuesday

It appeared that the Mets had a great chance to snap their losing streak for most of Tuesday's game. Shortstop Francisco Lindor gave the Mets a 3-0 lead in the third inning after hitting a three-run homer off Twins right-handed starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, who ended the night with three earned runs allowed in five innings. Mets right-handed starting pitcher Nolan McLean was perfect through the first five innings with eight strikeouts.

Outfielder Matt Wallner broke up McLean's perfect game with a leadoff single in the sixth inning. McLean got the next two batters out before Buxton hit a two-run homer.

The Twins tied the game in the seventh inning when Keaschall followed a double from first baseman Kody Clemens with an RBI single up the middle.

Then came Williams' ninth-inning implosion. Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Mets in the offseason, walked designated hitter Josh Bell and catcher Ryan Jeffers to lead off the ninth. Clemens proceeded to reach base on a bunt, as Mets first baseman Mark Vientos attempted to get the force out at third base, but pinch-runner James Outman beat the throw. Keaschall followed with another RBI single, then Wallner walked with the bases loaded, making the score 5-3.

Mets righty Austin Warren relieved Williams and proceeded to strike out three straight batters. Righty Cole Sands, who had pitched a perfect eighth inning, pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the win.

Along with Sands' two perfect innings, lefty Anthony Banda and righty Justin Topa each threw a perfect inning of relief. Given Minnesota's early-season bullpen woes, it was great to see three Twins relievers on top of their games last night. With the win, Minnesota snapped a four-game losing streak and moved to a 12-11 record.

The Twins aim to win the series vs. the Mets in Game 2, which is scheduled to begin at 6:10 p.m. CST on Wednesday. The Twins' top pitching prospect, lefty Connor Prielipp, is slated to make the start on the mound for Minnesota. Righty Clay Holmes is New York's scheduled starter.

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