Twins 9, Rays 7: Twins survive the Rays comeback

A game that initially seemed like a blowout for the Twins, turned into an exciting slug-fest, with the Twins emerging victorious.

Jake Odorizzi was dominant again today. He pitched 6 innings, gave up just 3 hits, 1 walk, and struck out 9 batters.

As for the offense, Mitch Garver, in his first game back from the IL picked up an RBI single in the 3rd inning. Jorge Polanco followed with a sacrifice fly for their second run. In the fourth, Miguel Sano doubled in their 3rd run of the game.

The Twins opened the game up in the 5th, scoring 4 runs. Byron Buxton singled, then stole 2nd base and then went to 3rd on a throwing error by Ji-Man Choi. After Mitch Garver was hit by a pitch (and stayed in the game), Jorge Polanco dropped a bunt down in front of home plate, scoring Buxton. Eddie Rosario was walked to load the bases for C.J. Cron, who promptly emptied them with a 3-run double to make it 7-0.

As soon as Odorizzi left the game, however, the Rays woke up. Matt Magill gave up 3 hits, a HBP and a walk to allow 3 runs to score. Ryne Harper came in to face Brandon Lowe who singled off of Cron’s glove, and then Schoop threw the ball away. That plated two more runs. Finally, Blake Parker got Willy Adames out on strikes to end the inning. All 5 runs were charged to Matt Magill.

In the 8th, Jonathan Schoop atoned for his error by hitting a 2-run home run so high up it hit the rafters or something. Tropicana Field is weird, making the score 9-5.

Not to be outdone, Christian Arroyo hit a 2-run homer to bring the score back to 9-7. Parker was able to limit the damage to just that, though.

Taylor Rogers closed out the game with 3 strikeouts, all swinging. With that, the Twins take the series, 3 games to 1.

Studs:

Byron Buxton: 2-4, 2 R. and an 8-3 double play

Jake Odorizzi

Miguel Sano: 3-3, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 2B

C.J. Cron: 2-4, 3 RBI, 2B

Taylor Rogers: 1 IP, 3 K, 0 R

Duds:

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!

Robot Roll Call: