Twins 3, White Sox 2: Extra Winnings

Both pitching staffs had it today, making only one mistake each before the 8th inning extra innings.

Griffin Jax turned in the best outing of his young career so far, twirling four innings with only 1 hit, which just happened to be a solo shot by Tim Anderson. Aside from that, Jax only gave up 1 walk and had 6 strikeouts. However, he was on the hook for the loss until the 6th.

Lance Lynn was his normal self today, being big and burly and pitching 7 innings. He gave up 5 hits, one of which was a solo dong-piece by Nelson Cruz, which tied the game in the 6th.

The White Sox had at least one base-runner in each inning following Jax’s exit, but the Twins bullpen danced out of trouble time and time again to limit the “fierce” White Sox offense to only 2 runs. Hansel Robles gave up the (un-earned) 2nd run, which came from Rob Manfred’s error and a Jose Abreu double in the bottom of the 8th.

However, the real action happened in the top of the 8th. With Gilberto Manfredestino on 2nd base. Luis Arraez did Luis Arraez things and punched the ball through the right side of the infield to advance Ghosterto Celestino to third base.

Josh Donaldson was next, and the Sox again decided this was not the right opportunity to plunk him. Instead, Garrett Crochet got Donaldson to ground weakly to third base. Chicago rookie Jake Burger fielded it cleanly, and then noticed Ghosterto Manfredestino seemingly about to make the TOOTBLAN Hall of Fame. However, as noted by Justin Morneau, the runner on third base only has to be as close to third base as the third baseman is. Instead of being thrown out on the bases like a nincompoop, Celestino cleverly distracted Burger long enough to a) get back to third safely and b) let Donaldson reach first base. With ducks on the pond, Trevor Larnach just missed a couple high-heat pitches on his way to striking out. But never fear- Nellie is here! Now facing Ryan Burr, Cruz exploded his bat; however, he hit it far enough for Gilmanfredo Celeghostino to tag up and put the team ahead. The Twins weren’t done though, as Jorge “I’m SO back” Polanco roped a single to right field and Luis Arraez motored from second to home in time to beat the throw and grab a very important insurance run.

STUDS:

Griffin Jax: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

The ‘Pen: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Boomstick: 1-3, 1 Boom, 2 RBI

Jorge Polanco: 2-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI

DUDS:

NO DUDS TWINS WIN!!!!!!!

ROBOT ROLL CALL: