Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account
  • Twins Game Recap (8/13): Marwin Comes Up Clutch To Put the Twins Back in First Place


    Andrew Thares

    After a brutal weekend series against the Cleveland Indians, the Minnesota Twins needed an easy win, along with some help from the Boston Red Sox, to regain the division lead. For a while it looked like that would be the case, as the Twins held a 4-1 lead over the Brewers and the Red Sox, a 6-1 lead over the Indians in the later innings. However, easy would not even come close to describing how things went down to give the Twins back the lead in the AL Central.

    Image courtesy of FanGraphs

    Twins Video

    Box Score

    Perez: 6 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 61.4% strikes (54 of 88 pitches)

    Home Runs: Garver (22), Gonzalez (14)

    Multi-Hit Games: Rosario (2 for 4, BB), Gonzalez (2 for 4, HR)

    WPA of +0.1: Gonzalez .593, Perez .252, Rosario .153, Garver .128,

    WPA of -0.1: Harper -.670, Cron -.103

    Martin Perez worked himself into a little bit of trouble in the first after allowing a couple of singles to Keston Hiura and Ryan Braun, though he was able to work out of it when Yasmani Grandal flew out to Eddie Rosario in left. The Twins were able to get a threat of their own going in the top of the second, thanks to a Luis Arraez base hit and a C.J. Cron hit-by-pitch, both coming with one out. However, with the game being played in a National League ballpark, the Twins' hopes of scoring in the inning relied almost entirely on the number eight hitter Marwin Gonzalez to come though with a hit. Once he flew out, Martin Perez, who has just one career hit, came to the plate and promptly struck out, ending the Twins threat.

    The Twins were able to get the scoring going in the top of the third thanks to a Max Kepler leadoff walk, followed by Mitch Garver blasting his 22nd home run of the season. Garver is now just three home runs behind Gary Sanchez for the most home runs by a catcher in the American League, despite having roughly 90 fewer plate appearances.

    https://twitter.com/Twins/status/1161442507810574336

    After the Garver home run, the Twins bats were able to tack on another run. Eddie Rosario drew a rare walk, with one out in the inning, which was followed by a Miguel Sano groundball single, thanks to a lack of communication among the Brewers infielders. This set the table for Luis Arraez, who was able to bring Rosario in from third with an RBI-groundout.

    In the bottom of the third, the Brewers put together a two-out rally after a Ryan Braun walk and a Yasmani Grandal single. This brought Mike Moustakas to the plate, who appeared to have an RBI-single, before Jorge Polanco made this spectacular play to end the inning.

    https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/1161446348148957185

    After Martin Perez escaped unscathed through the first three innings, the Brewers were able to bring a run across the plate in the fourth. With one out, the Brewers number eight hitter, Hernan Perez singled, setting up an obvious bunt situation with Brewers pitcher Chase Anderson coming to the plate. Anderson was able to get the bunt down, and Martin Perez seemed to execute it perfectly, going to second to easily get the lead runner. However the throw from Perez sailed a bit and bounced off Jorge Polanco’s glove, and instead of a potential inning-ending double play, the Brewers had first and third with just one out. They were able to bring the run home on the next batter, when Lorenzo Cain just barely beat out the doubleplay relay throw.

    The Twins were able to extend their lead back up to three in the top of the seventh. Marwin Gonzalez got the inning started with a leadoff single, then Ehrie Adrianza came through with a pinch-hit RBI double. Unfortunately, Adrianza was stranded on the bases, preventing what could have been a big inning that could have burst the game open.

    That came back to haunt the Twins in the bottom of the inning, when Ryne Harper gave up four runs, without recording an out, capped off by this three-run home run by Yasmani Grandal.

    https://twitter.com/Brewers/status/1161469345798774784

    To make matters worse, at that exact same moment, the Cleveland Indians came back from a 6-1 deficit to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth, thanks to a Francisco Lindor double. Fortunately for the Twins, the Red Sox were able to get out of the inning to force extras, where Jackie Bradley Jr. came up big with a go-ahead home run. In the bottom of the 10th, Andrew Cashner, of all people, came in and closed the door on the Indians loss.

    Back in Milwaukee, things still looked bleak for the Twins in the top of the eighth. Despite a leadoff double from Eddie Rosario, which was followed by a Miguel Sano walk, Luis Arraez and C.J. Cron were unable to even advance them. This set the table for one of the biggest at-bats for the Twins all season. With two-outs, and the tying run on second, the Brewers turned to shutdown closer Josh Hader to face Marwin Gonzalez, and on the first pitch, Gonzalez took Hader deep to left-center field for a three-run home run, putting the Twins back up by a score of 7-5.

    https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/1161477762990792704

    With Taylor Rogers apparently unavailable for tonight’s game, Rocco Baldelli had to turn to trade-deadline acquisitions Sam Dyson, who came back off the injured list tonight, and Sergio Romo, to close the door on the Twins victory. After Dyson went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Romo was able to finish off the save in the ninth, giving the Twins one of their biggest wins of the season.

    https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/1161487732868354051

    Bullpen Usage

    Here’s a quick look at the number of pitches thrown by the bullpen over the past five days:

    Next Three Games

    Wed at MIL, 1:10 pm CT (Gibson-TBD)

    Thu at TEX, 7:05 pm CT (TBD-Payano)

    Fri at TEX, 7:05 pm CT (TBD-TBD)

    Last Game

    Twins Game Recap (8/11): Frustrating Loss Marred by Heartbreaking Moments

    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

     Share


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Featured Comments

    Great news for Dyson to have a strong 1-2-3 inning. After his horrid, injured start hopefully this gives everyone (fans included) a little more confidence in him; I think he's going to be a really nice piece down the stretch.

     

    Romo has done a fine job since joining the team and while I don't love the HBPs, everything else looks good with him and I like adding his experience to that 'pen. If May can find some consistency and with Duffey getting on a bit of a roll (a few too many walks, but he can work around it) the bullpen should be fine again. But they could really use one more lefty in the mix, and I'm not sure we have one that makes sense.

     

    Weirdly, the thing that drove me craziest about last night's game was Polanco's error on the bunt in the 4th. Perez had plenty of time and gunned a throw that was high and outside, and Polanco was still thinking double play and clanked it. bad throw. bad catch. bad play. Just felt sloppy,

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    To make matters worse, at that exact same moment, the Cleveland Indians came back from a 6-1 deficit to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth, thanks to a Francisco Lindor double. Fortunately for the Twins, the Red Sox were able to get out of the inning to force extras, where Jackie Bradley Jr. came up big with a go-ahead home run. In the bottom of the 10th, Andrew Cashner, of all people, came in and closed the door on the Indians loss.

    Cleveland apparently had a Diaz-level baserunning mistake too:

     

    After hitting the game-tying double in the bottom of the 9th, Lindor was on 2nd base with only 1 out, Oscar Mercado at the plate and recent hero Carlos Santana on deck.

     

    And Lindor was caught stealing at third base for the 2nd out of the inning!

     

    https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-08/13/4f78187f-eb1c95a9-02d44a93-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4

    Edited by spycake
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I don't Arraez was told to bunt in that situation for a few reasons, number one it was a terrible attempt at a sacrifice, absolutely terrible (for a sacrifice), number two Moustakas had just moved position, and finally Morneau made it sound like that Arraez did that on his own.

     

    As far as having Harper start the 7th, I was perfectly fine that (hey that way he doesn't let an inherited runner score :)) but after Yelich got on I thought he should have been taken out.

    Relief pitchers are going to have bad outings and I think it is on the manager and pitching coach to stop it before it gets out of hand or if the game isn't close decide to see the pitcher can work through it.

     

    Sadly for the last month or so it does seem like one relief pitcher is going to have a rough outing and the defense is going to make at least one sloppy play or error, and it is huge when the bats can make up for that, and it sucks and feels like the end of the season when they don't. (Life of a Twins fan)

     

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Huge win. Still not overly encouraged about this team going forward. But, I’ll take it.

     

    This pitching staff is just awful. Even after a win I should be happy about, it’s hard to be optimistic knowing the state we’re in pitching-wise. It feels like a dead team walking right now.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Honestly, as I was watching the game, I was hoping they'd just put Yelich on first with the count at 2-0. Harper grooved a 90 MPH fastball down the middle to arguably the best hitter in baseball. He was lucky it didn't go out. It seemed clear that Harper wasn't going to be able to get guys out last night. However, I'm not sure at what point the manager is responsible for getting him out of there. Would have been a pretty quick hook to take him out after the Yelich AB, and would have signaled a lack of confidence in Harper. Harper's been good this year -- somewhat making up for all the guys who we thought would be good but weren't. I'm hoping this is just one bad appearance for him, and in a couple of days, he'll be getting outs for us in Arlington.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    I think Perez was kind of playing with fire all night. Certainly wasn't a sharp outing and he didn't look dominant. That said, it's hard to rain on his parade when he pitched a quality start. I think we'd all be happy if the guy managed 5+ innings and gave up 2-ish runs. We don't need him to be spectacular, just serviceable. He was indeed serviceable last night, can't say otherwise.

    I agree with the Perez take on needing him to be serviceable. I was also losing my mind last night wondering if I was watching the same game when the broadcast team kept going out of their way to talk about how great he was pitching. Four walks and 9 guys LOB in 6 innings? That was luck and I am happy with the outcome, but not the process. And that process does not give me any more confidence in Perez than I had before last night. I know we need to patch it together down the stretch but I'd love to see Thorpe get some more looks as a starter. I don't know what the analytics say, but it seems like his stuff will play. Perez and Smeltzer need to adjust to the adjustment if they are to have any future success. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    As I was floating in my blimp above Miller Park, I saw a team in trouble, having a hard voyage, and isn't that what it's all about, the voyage? Lots of turbulence: it has been a bumpy ride. Yet, when I embarked on my voyage 5 months ago, I never expected that mid-August would reveal .600 baseball, and 1st place. Regardless of how this all unfolds, it certainly has been an interesting ride.

    From my cloaked orbital chalet, I sipped a squeeze bottle of pinot noir while considering whether to obliterate Milwaukee. Bad beer, bunch of hooligans... burp.

    On paper this 2019 Twins squad looked potent at the plate, but dubious on the mound. They proceeded to launch enough missiles to trigger my automatic shields and laser retaliation drones, but I calmed the drones...good doggies, just the mailman. 

    Meanwhile, this particular mix of players in April produced a startling burst of great baseball. Flashing in the ultraviolet were Perez, Odo, Berrios, Cron, Schoop, Buxton, Rosario and Polanco. Sparking high-energy neutrons were Kepler, Gonzo, and some surprisingly effective relievers. I'm still a little incredulous about Harper, but he still gets a generous assortment of awkward whiffs. 

    Now in the dog days, some things have become clear. The illusion of a good bull pen has evaporated. Perez has returned to earth. Gibson continues to gyre and gabe. Schoop has practically disappeared in the shadow of a new star, Luis Arraez, who appeared in a basket one day on the Twins doorstep with a note: "Play Him." 

    Among the pleasant surprises is Sir Gonzo, a utility player of the same magnitude as Eduardo Escobar. How did Houston let him escape? Also pleasant has been the gradual development of Miguel Sano's hitting game, replacing his long, loopy swing with an almost Garver-like quick to the ball flick. They still go over the fence...

    Questions remain, of course. Can the Twins regain a lead in the Central? Can't really blame them for losing it, given Cleveland's incandescent run after the mid-point. Almost no way so many Twins hitters could remain that hot. Now it will come down to a more normal mix of good hitting with good pitching. The FO has been playing musical chairs to find good arms in the minors...a couple more rounds of music to follow...Graterol? Thorpe? Duran? All of them?

    Whoops, now I'm floating out of range. Running low on beer and wine, might send a laser drone to fetch some...

    Oh, and monkeypaws, I forgot to mention, your blimp has a little leak just above the left tail fin. You should consider switching to helium gas. Hydrogen has a bad rep!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I also thought Perez got kind of lucky last night. He wiggled out of all kinds of trouble and was having kind of a hard time throwing strikes, etc. That said, we will take it for last night. I was also VERY impressed with the way Dyson looked last night. His stuff was fantastic and he pumped strikes in pitch after pitch. 

     

    If he can keep that up, it will help immensely.

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    It still doesnt make sense. It was the 2-4 spots in the Milwaukee lineup coming up, you use Romo, Dyson, Duffey. 

     

    Is there a person here who didn't see that hanging curve ball to Grandal coming? Somehow the Manager didn't. 

    This. We've heard a lot how the new regime uses the bullpen based on the situation not the inning. Saving Dyson/Romo for the 8th/9th is what Gardy would do. Can't use the closer yet, it's not their inning!

    Edited by howeda7
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    This. We've heard a lot how the new regime uses the bullpen based on the situation not the inning. Saving Dyson/Romo for the 8th/9th is what Gardy would do. Can't use the closer yet, it's not their inning!

     

    They needed 9 outs and Harper had given up earned runs in 1 of his last 9 appearances.  The notion and hindsight that everyone knew he was going to give up runs is so overblown.  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Harper must be relegated to the scrap heap with Parker and the rest.  I knew he was going to give up the lead; he had nothing.  Every time he comes in the watcher is always amazed that he can get anyone out, let alone the best Milwaukee's got.  I'm yelling at the TV, "Get him out of there", as Grandal's ball goes over the fence.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

     

    It still doesnt make sense. It was the 2-4 spots in the Milwaukee lineup coming up, you use Romo, Dyson, Duffey. 

     

    Is there a person here who didn't see that hanging curve ball to Grandal coming? Somehow the Manager didn't. 

    I didn't see it coming. It's nice to hear a member express confidence in Dyson. Our friends at Twinkie Town gave that acquisition an A-. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    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.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...