Twins 3, Royals 0: Smeltzer earns his first win

The title spoils how this game turns out.

Devin Smeltzer was called up today to replace the injured Sam Dyson, and start this game against the Royals. He pitched a great game, matching Royals starter Brad Keller pitch for pitch. Smeltzer tossed 6 shutout innings, allowed just 2 hits, walking 1 while striking out 4.

Brad Keller was pretty good today, too. In the 6th the Twins finally scratched across their first run on an Eddie Rosario sacrifice fly, scoring Luis Arraez. In the 7th, Jason Castro caught up with a high 90’s fastball from Keller, depositing it onto the lawn past the center field wall. That made the score 2-0.

Smeltzer exited the game in the 7th after walking Alex Gordon, but Tyler Duffey cleaned up that inning, picking up a pair of strikeouts with no damage done. Sergio Romo tossed a clean, 6 pitch top of the 8th.

The Twins added an insurance run in the 8th, after a couple of walks and an RBI single by Eddie Rosario.

Taylor Rogers wrapped up the game in an orderly fashion, completing the sweep of the Royals. Unfortunately, Cleveland also swept their series in Anaheim, so the division lead is still 3 games.

Still, winning baseball games is good. Subscribe for more hard-hitting baseball analysis and hot takes.

Studs:

Eddie Rosario: 2-3, 2 RBI

Luis Arraez: 2-3, 2 R

Jason Castro: He hit a bomba, automatic stud.

Robot Roll Call:

Comment of the game: archie2227