Twins 8, Orioles 3: Offense backs strong outing from Kyle Gibson

At some point it's worth wondering whether the Kyle Gibson we've seen recently is the real version of Gibson. He owns a 3.04 ERA in 17 starts this year, a total that includes ten "quality starts." Since the calendar turned to June, Gibson has struck out 42 in 44.2 innings. At nearly one strikeout per inning, it's a side to the right-hander we haven't seen since his days as a minor league pitcher. Last night, Gibson struck out seven through six innings of two-run baseball.

Minnesota's offense was out in full force. Trevor Plouffe hit a soaring double over Adam Jones' head in center field to score Joe Mauer for the first run of the game, and Miguel Sano bashed his first career home run to put Baltimore starter Kevin Gausman on the ropes early.

Bases loaded walks. Allowing a run to score on a dropped third strike. An armada of well-struck baseballs. By the time the Orioles finally showed up to the game in the top of the fifth the contest was effectively over.

The Twins looked like a complete team on Tuesday night. Joe Mauer continues his hot stretch. Youngsters Eddie Rosario and Miguel Sano played pivotal roles in the win, not just by putting good wood on the baseball but through their patience at pitch selection at the dish. Ryan O'Rourke pitched a perfect ninth against a trio of right-handed hitters, his Kryptonite, and even managed a strikeout.

At 45-39, the Twins move to six games above .500 for the first time since June 27. With a big game this afternoon we get to see whether or not Minnesota can pull off their first series sweep since taking three from the Red Sox at Target Field from May 25 to 27.

ROLL CALL!

COMMENT OF THE GAME THREAD

less cowbell, more 'neau: "Dammit. Right in the butt. TWSS."

STUDS

DUDS

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