Anthony Swarzak and a host of other bullpen types led the Twins to a series-clinching 3-1 victory over Cleveland on Wednesday afternoon.
Swarzak, Minnesota's long reliever/Sasquatch enthusiast, was pressed into action when it was announced Tuesday that Kyle Gibson had a sore back and would miss his scheduled start. He delivered a model long-relief appearance, only it was one that started in the top of the first: five innings, one ER, two hits. The 74 pitches were the most he's thrown this season.
The one run he surrendered was the game's opening run, an RBI double by Jose Ramirez in the third. The Twins knotted it up in the bottom of the frame on a Danny Santana triple (Twitter reaction from multiple friends at the game, summarized: "Danny Santana is f---ing fast.")/Sam Fuld single combo.
Minnesota took the lead off Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer in the fifth, on a 2-out RBI double from Brian Dozier. Note from friend of the blog Aaron Gleeman: Dozier is on pace for a 5.0 WAR for the season. The only other position player for the Twins to reach that number in the last ten years is Joe Mauer, who's done it five times. A solo dong from Oswaldo Arcia closed the Twins scoring.
After Swarzak's exit, name a reliever, and they probably threw a pitch: Caleb Thielbar, Jared Burton, Casey Fien, Brian Duensing and Glen Perkins all saw action, with Perk getting his 24th save.
Following the game, the Twins announced they had designated Matt Guerrier for assignment. Ryan Pressly will take his place.
ROBOT ROLL CALL
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CHARTS & GRAPHS
Source: FanGraphs
Enjoy your Wednesday evening, everybody.