Twins 3, Rockies 1: We’ve missed you, Brian! (simulated)

Today’s lineups:

MIN: Max Kepler RF, Ehire Adrianza SS, Luis Arraez 2B, Miguel Sano 1B, Josh Donaldson 3B, Mitch Garver C, Nelson Cruz DH, Marwin Gonzalez LF, Byron Buxton CF, Jose Berrios P

COL: Sam Hilliard RF, David Dahl LF, Nolan Arenado 3B, Trevor Story SS, Daniel Murphy 1B, Brendan Rodgers 2B, Tony Wolters C, Brian Dozier DH, Peter Bourjos CF, Wei-Yin Chen P

In real life, Brian Dozier signed with the San Diego Padres this off season. He did in our simulation, as well, but the Rockies picked him up on waivers on April 16th. Since he was in the NL East last year, and the NL West this season, he’ll be visiting Target Field for the second year in a row. Last September, with the Nationals, he was 1-7 against the Twins in just under two full games. Tonight though, he provided all of the offense for the Rockies.

Both pitchers did very well tonight, although Berrios was slightly better. The starters lasted into the eighth for both sides, and no one scored after the third.

The Twins scored first, with Josh Donaldson hitting a one-out bomba in the second inning. Dozier matched the feat to lead off the the third. In the bottom of the third, Byron Buxton hit a lead-off double. Max Kepler broke the tie, for good, with another home run. After that, there were a few scattered hits, but that was it for threats. Duffey and Rogers pitched out of the pen for the Twins, and Wade Davis for the Rockies, with no drama.

Notes

• For our friends at Purple Row, the Rockies are doing pretty well in our sim. They’re 43-38, although 10 ¹⁄₂ games behind the Dodgers. Jon Gray has pitched 100 innings with a 2.78 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Nolan Arenado is hitting .316/.381/.586 with 21 home runs, and Daniel Murphy is hitting .339/.397/.504.
• Long time Twinkie Town readers will recognize the significance of Peter Bourjos.

STUDS:

Max Kepler: 1-4, HR
Josh Donaldson: 1-4, HR
Jose Berrios: 7.2 IP, 1 run, 5 hits, 11 K

DUDS:

No duds, Twins win!

Tomorrow: Game two with the Rockies. 1:10 pm First pitch

Standings:
MIN 47-36 —
CLE 45-36 1
CHW 43-39 3 1/2
DET 41-41 5 1/2
KCR 29-54 18