Twins 5, Rays 3: Late Dozier home run seals the victory

On an afternoon where the score was deadlocked for most of the game, the Twins struck late to take this matinee from the Rays by a score of 5-3.

While the score was deadlocked, the pace was gridlocked as starting pitchers Adalberto Mejia and Jake Odorizzi constantly had runners on base but both were able to successfully navigate through most of their troubles. Though each allowed over a baserunner per inning, both pitchers allowed just two runs apiece and the teams inched into the late innings tied at 2.

However, the Twins jumped on Rays relievers Danny Farquhar and Tommy Hunter in the 8th inning. Following a leadoff walk by Chris Gimenez, Eddie Rosario bunted Gimenez up to 2nd base, who then made it to 3rd base on a groundout from Ehire Adrianza. With Brian Dozier looming, the Rays countered with Hunter, but the move backfired as Dozier drove a 2-1 offering off the facing of the second deck in right-center field (that’s right, to the opposite field) to give the Twins a 4-2 lead. Joe Mauer and Byron Buxton teamed up to add an insurance run with a double and single, respectively, and Brandon Kintzler shut the door after allowing a solo home run to clinch the victory.

WP: Taylor Rogers (2-1)

LP: Danny Farquhar (2-2)

S: Brandon Kintzler (13)

Studs

Adalberto Mejia (5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K), Brian Dozier (1-for-3, HR, 2 BB, 2 RBI), Robbie Grossman (1-for-2, 2 BB), Max Kepler (2-for-5), Eddie Rosario (2-for-3, HR, RBI)

Duds

None

Roll Call

Win Probability Chart

Not cooperating, so here’s a static image.