The Minnesota Twins currently hold a 39-44 record as they look to build momentum in the American League Central. In the last 24 hours, the club secured a thrilling 10-inning walk-off victory over Colorado. The team nearly collapsed in the final frames.
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MLB Game Recap
Minnesota defeated the Rockies 9-8 on Friday night. The 7-0 Twins lead evaporated in the ninth inning. Starter Taj Bradley dominated through seven innings. He allowed just two runs and struck out seven. However, the bullpen surrendered six runs in the ninth to briefly lose the lead. The Twins fought back to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. They eventually won in the tenth on Royce Lewis’s first career walk-off hit. It was a sharp RBI single up the middle.
Standout Performer
Byron Buxton ignited the offense, finishing 3-for-5 with one double, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Buxton provided a crucial RBI double in the fifth to extend the lead. Later, he delivered a clutch, two-out RBI single in the ninth to tie the game at 8-8. This hit saved the Twins from a regulation loss. His consistent contact and speed on the bases proved to be the turning point in the late-inning comeback.
Key News & Notes
The Twins outrighted reliever Austin Voth to Triple-A St. Paul after he cleared waivers following his recent designation for assignment. On the injury front, Bailey Ober progressed toward his July return. He did this by throwing a normal bullpen session on Friday. The bullpen continues to see high usage. This follows recent struggles from bulk relievers. It is also due to the mounting season-ending injury to Pablo López.
Farm Report
- Triple-A St. Paul: Orlando Arcia went 3-for-3 with a double and two runs in a 3-1 win over Louisville. Emilio Pagán had a strong six-pitch rehab opener. Jose Franco followed with a seven-strikeout relief effort. Together, they kept the Bats’ offense quiet.
- Double-A Wichita: Maddux Houghton went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI, but the Wind Surge fell 6-4 to Midland. Despite twice rallying to tie the game, Wichita left 11 runners on base and struggled in situational hitting.
- High-A Cedar Rapids: Caden Kendle hit a solo home run. This was the Kernels’ only score in a 10-1 loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Cedar Rapids has now lost six consecutive games to open the second half of the season.
- Single-A Fort Myers: JP Smith II contributed significantly by going 2-for-3. He hit a home run and earned two RBIs. The Mighty Mussels defeated St. Lucie 6-2. Fort Myers blasted four home runs in the victory, marking their third straight win over the Mets.
- FCL Twins: Taveras recorded a single. However, the Twins managed only three hits in an 8-2 loss to the FCL Red Sox.
Looking Ahead
The Twins continue their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies tonight at 8:10 PM at Target Field. Mike Paredes (0-0, 4.05 ERA) is slated to make the start for Minnesota against Colorado’s Michael Lorenzen (2-9, 7.11 ERA).
A win is a win. However, blowing a 7-0 lead to the last-place Rockies suggests this rotation needs serious help before the deadline. What do you think?
