:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4043641/124964007.jpg)
So I stayed up pretty late last night finishing the recap for this game and due to the wonderful magic of technology, it disappeared without a trace. Hooray!
The Twins were looking to not get swept last night in Kansas City, and as I'm sure you've already figured out, that didn't go so well for them. Liam Hendriks wasn't really on his game today, as he only went 5 innings, giving up 8 hits and 5 ER. He didn't walk anyone, though, and managed to strike out a couple Royals batters. Aside from Hendriks, the Twins pitching was all over the place. Kyle Waldrop came on in relief of Hendriks, and he managed to give up 3 hits and 2 earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Phil Dumatrait, pitcher extraordinaire, came on in relief of Waldrop, gave up two hits without getting any outs, and was pulled for Alex Burnett, who managed to limit the damage. Brian Duensing pitched the 7th inning, giving up one hit and striking out one, but kept the Royals off the board. Jim Hoey closed out the game for Minnesota, not allowing any hits or runs and striking out one.
On the offensive side, the Twins were slightly less miserable than they have been, managing to score three runs for the day. That's like an offensive explosion, right? The Twins even stole some bases, with Ben Revere swiping 3, to give him 30 on the year, and Michael Cuddyer, Magic Man stealing his 9th of the year off Hochevar in the 6th inning. Yeah, Revere for 3 and Cuddy for 1. Take that, Royals.
The Twins would have opportunities with RISP, but ultimately fail (as has been the theme for much of the season...). Jason Kubel struck out with the bases loaded. Matt Tolbert, Danny Valencia, Trevor Plouffe, and Joe Benson would all have opportunities to knock in a run or two, but all either popped out, struck out, or grounded out. Minnesota, in fact, was 1-8 with RISP and had left 12 men on base throughout the game. Good times.
Studs
Cuddy, Duensing, Hoey, Revere
Duds
I think it's fair to say everyone else.