Astros 5, Twins 3: Offense stymied by Mike Fiers

The Twins kicked off the scoring for the third straight game, all of them on solo dingers. This time it wasn’t Brian Dozier, but Kennys “Forearms” Vargas in the 2nd.

The Astros answered in the bottom half with 3 consecutive 2-out singles to tie the game. Then Ehire Adrianza, of all people, hit a solo HR to put the Twins back on top, 2-1 in the 3rd.

Gibson pitched a clean 3rd, but trouble loomed in the 4th. Yuli Gurriel doubled, and Marwin Gonzalez followed with a walk. After a strikeout, Noriichika Aoki hit a hard fly ball that Eddie Rosario couldn’t get to for a 2-run double. Gibson eventually worked his way out of the inning, racking up his pitch count by nibbling at the corners.

The 5th was way more efficient for Gibson, throwing just 9 pitches in a 1-2-3 inning. He walked a man in the 6th, but a double play got him out of the inning.

Meanwhile, the Twins bats couldn’t solve Mike Fiers, as he notched 11 strikeouts through 7 innings. There never was a big scoring opportunity, as we only managed four hits against him.

Gibson came out for the 7th, but walked Jake Marisnick, so his day was done. Trevor Hildenberger came in and the Twins started playing some circus baseball. George Springer grounded out to 3B Eduardo Escobar. Then, Vargas threw to 3rd to try to get Marisnick but he missed, allowing him to score.

But wait, there’s more!

Jose Altuve hit a ground rule double, stole 3rd, and scored on a dropped third strike and throw to 1st. Buddy Boshers finally picked up a strikeout to end the inning, but the Astros now led 5-2.

Chris Devenski replaced Mike Fiers in the top half of the 8th and had a 1-2-3 inning against the bottom of the Twins order.

The Twins got a rally going in the 9th, scoring a run and bringing the tying run to the plate (Vargas), but he grounded out to end the game.

At least we didn’t get swept.

The Twins welcome the Yankees and Aaron Judge to Target Field tomorrow to start a 3-game series.

Studs:

Ehire Adrianza: 2-3, HR

Kyle Gibson: 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K

In my book, I think Kyle earned a “quality” start. That last run really wasn’t his fault, I chalk that up to the bad throw by Vargas. Maybe he’s not quite a stud, but he gave us a shot to win today.

Duds:

The rest of the lineup: 3-27, 12 K

ROBOT ROLL CALL:

Have a great week, everyone!