Twins 5, White Sox 2: Small Ball Twins over Slugging Sox, it feels like 2005

I’m not Tawny, so if you came here in search of wit, humor, and good writing, you may be disappointed. You’re stuck with me instead.

Jose Berrios had a pretty decent start for the Twins. He pitched five innings, and only gave up a single run. He gave up four total hits, two walks, and stuck out four whities. Meanwhile, the Twins offense made like it was 2005, and small-balled their way to victory over the slugging Sox.

That run came in the second inning. Nicky Delmonico, who reliable sources tell me probably isn’t actually an enforcer from New Jersey, hit a solo home run, and put the Sox on the board first.

The Twins would retake the lead in the fourth inning. Logan Forsythe, Jake Cave, and Robbie Grossman strung together a trio one-out singles to start the party, and tie the game at one. With runners on first and third, Robbie Grossman was thrown out attempting to steal second. He kept the ball in play long enough that Jake Cave could scamper home, in the most high-school baseball play ever. Does that count as a steal of home? (No, it doesn’t, sadly.)

The White Sox tied the game in the seventh with a Yoan Moncado solo home run. Gabriel Moya took the blame for that one, and also somehow a blown save. On the plus side, Moya struck out three and pitched two innings.

In the ninth, the Twins scored three runs, on some more small ball. Jake Cave took a leadoff walk, and then was advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Robbie Grossman. Mitch Garver entered the game to hit for Bobby Wilson, and hit a single. Cave was thrown out attempting to score, which led to Garver standing on second. Joe Mauer was intentionally walked, because he is a professional hitter. Eddie Rosario is also a pretty good hitter, so he poked a single that scored Garver, and then Mauer and Rosie ended up on second and third respectively thanks to an error. Jorge Polanco also singled, and drove in both runners, but also ended the inning with an out at second.

Taylor Rogers earned the save. Trevor May got the win.

Top Sox prospect Michael Kopech was chased after two innings, although he gave up two hits and no runs. I assume they didn’t want to stretch him too far with the rain delay. It makes me feel better about Stephen Gonsalves’ early exit last night though.

STUDS

Joe Mauer 2-4, walk, run scored
Eddie Rosario 2-5, RBI, run scored
Jorge Polanco 1-5, 2 RBI,

DUDS

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!!!

ROLL CALL

COTG

pdx_twins_fan Let’s review the bases...

Happy Birthday to Brandon Brooks, who’s birthday it will be by the time you read this.