Athletics 7, Twins 2: The “old friends” show

Many days, two runs are enough for Jose Berrios. Today was not one of those days. After the Twins took a game from the red-hot As in 12 innings last night, Oakland seemed like they came to play a bit more today.

The Twins did score first though—old friend Chris Herrmann got in the way of Ehire Adrianza’s bases loaded swing with two out, and Nelson Cruz scored due to catcher’s interference. That was all the Twins would get out of their best threat of the day.

The A’s tied it up in the 4th, thanks to the same pesky old friends who have been a thorn in the Twins sides all series—in this case Chris Herrmann earned the RBI, but Robbie Grossman was on the basepaths as well. Grossman would finish this series with seven singles and three walks against his old team.

The Twins got a run back in the fifth to end their scoring, and promptly gave up two more runs, the lead, and after the inning, sent out Zach Littell instead of Jose Berrios to try to keep things close.

Littell did his job, as did May, but the Twins couldn’t take back the lead. Mike Morin gave up three straight baserunners to start the eighth inning, and two of them were Herrmann and Grossman again. Marcus Semien went Bomba on Morin, taking the grand slam and bringing the lead to the final score of 7-2. As Dick Bremer was quick to point out, this is the first losing “roadtrip” or “homestand” of the year for the Twins. Cleveland won today, so our lead in the division is now six games.

Dads everywhere across Twins territory are probably grousing around their grills, while their kids are obliviously getting sugared up in anticipation of fireworks tonight. You all have some fun and be safe out there!

STUDS:

• Ehire Adrianza: 2-3, 2 RBI
• Nelson Cruz: 3-5, 2 runs scored
• All the pitchers except Mike Morin

Duds:

• Mike Morin
• Jorge Polanco: 0-5, 3 K
• Jonathon Schoop: 2-4, 5 LOB

COTG: imakesandwichesforaliving

Wes Johnson: Give up a grand slam

Morin: What?

Johnson: Do it.

Roll Call: