Twins Video
Box Score
Starter: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Home Runs: Ryan Jeffers (2nd), Kyle Garlick (5th), Miguel Sano (11th)
Top 3 WPA: Miguel Sano (.226), Hansel Robles (.208), Ryan Jeffers (.153)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)
Nothing has come easy for the Twins, and that was very much true on Saturday afternoon at Kaufman Stadium in Kansas City. However, they used power and pitching to eek out a win.
The Power
Ryan Jeffers certainly looks different at the plate since his return to the Twins lineup this week after Mitch Garver went on the Injured List. He hit his second home run since his return and continues to hit nearly everything hard. He gave the Twins a 2-0 lead in the top of the 2nd inning. After the game, Jeffers talked about getting more comfortable since returning.
In the top of the third inning, Kyle Garlick added a long ball, a deep fly to left-center on a 3-2 changeup to put the Twins back ahead by a score of 3-2.
The Twins fell behind 4-3, but in the top of the sixth frame, Miguel Sano came to the plate with a runner on and crushed a long home run off the Royals Hall of Fame beyond the left field fence to give the Twins the 5-4 lead.
The Pitching
Jose Berrios wasn't at his best on Saturday, but he gave the Twins two things that they really needed on Saturday. First, he gave them a chance to win by keeping the game close. But maybe just as important, he gave them six innings. One night after Matt Shoemaker recorded just one out, the Twins really needed Berrios to give them some length. Sure, Griffin Jax had been called up in case there was a short start, but with the news pregame that Michael Pineda would not be starting on Sunday, it was even more important.
Jose Berrios improved to 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA and a 1.11 ERA. On a team with a 23-35 record, Berrios has certainly been a positive.
Pop! Pop! Fizz! Fizz! Oh what a performance by the Twins relief pitchers on Saturday. With a 5-4 lead, the Twins turned to their top three relievers and they got the job done.
- Tyler Duffey needed just seven pitches to complete the 7th inning.
- Taylor Rogers struck out two batters in a perfect 8th inning. He needed just 12 pitches.
- Hansel Robles needed a little help from his friends, but he was able to get out of a runner-on-second, nobody-out situation in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the Twins win. Sure, it took a crazy play and a line-drive rocket to Simmons to end it, but he recorded his fifth save. Hey, Eddie Guardado and Rick Aguilera and even Joe Nathan kept us nervous sometimes!! Oh, and he needed just ten pitches.
Just as important, those three pitchers should be available to pitch if needed on Sunday because of their low pitch counts this afternoon.
Postgame Interview
Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet
Next Up
The Twins send RHP Bailey Ober to the mound for his second MLB start on Sunday when they finish this series against the Royals. First pitch is at 1:10 CT.
MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
— Latest Twins coverage from our writers
— Recent Twins discussion in our forums
— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
— Become a Twins Daily Caretaker
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.