Twins 8, Cardinals 1: Welcome to Winsville

The Twins began a crucial 57-game winning streak tonight, the beginning of a pivotal stretch that will see Minnesota climb all the way back up the standings and become the eventual champions of the American League.

Minnesota broke out early in the first, with RBIs from Luis Arraez and Miguel Sano lighting up Mr. Woodford early. The Cardinal starter lasted just three innings tonight, surrendering seven runs on seven hits and only striking out three.

The bulk of those runs were delivered in the visiting third - the Twins hung up a five-spot, with Luis Arraez doubling in another tally, Trevor Larnach flying one home, and Ryan Jeffers launching another circuit drive (his ninth of the year) to plate two later in the inning.

The Twins would add on a little later, but St. Louis wouldn’t get much going all night. Harrison Bader’s fourth-inning RBI single delivered their only score in the game. The Cardinals were held to five hits; Ober went his customary four innings, and the bullpen pieced together a beauty; the Twins staff struck out a combined 13 during the game, walking three and surrendering just five hits all night.

The Cards got some basepath traffic in the final inning, but Alex Colome cleaned things up.

Of note - Bailey Ober got a hit with Nelson Cruz’s bat, and the league is now cowering in fear of the greatest offensive weapon ever conceived.

Also of note - “Lars Nootbaar.”

STUDS:

2B Jorge Polanco (2-for-5, 2 R)

3B Luis Arraez (1-for-3, 2 RBI, R)

1B Miguel Sano (2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, BB)

Pitching: 9 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 14 K

Lars Nootbaar

DUDS:

NO DUDS! TWINS WIN!

ROBOT ROLL CALL: