Twins’ Playoff Hopes Fade Further in Loss, 9-2 to Guardians

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By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS:

The Minnesota Twins’ playoff hopes are no longer fading quietly.

They are disappearing with each passing loss.

Cleveland added another blow Sunday, pulling away for a 9-2 victory at Target Field and leaving the Twins on the verge of being unofficially eliminated from postseason contention.

With the calendar running out and the margin for error essentially gone, Minnesota needed a strong finish to keep its season alive. Instead, the Twins dropped another game they could not afford to lose.

Steven Kwan wasted little time putting Cleveland in front, leading off the game with a home run against Joe Ryan.

Jo Adell added another solo shot in the third inning, a 451-foot blast that extended the Guardians’ lead to 2-0.

The Twins answered in the bottom of the third when Kody Clemens delivered an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

But Cleveland quickly regained control.

Kwan drove in another run with an RBI double in the fourth before Travis Bazzana followed with a two-out RBI single, pushing the Guardians’ advantage to 4-1.

Bazzana delivered the biggest blow in the sixth, launching a two-run home run to make it 6-1.

Trevor Larnach gave the Twins a brief spark in the seventh, hitting his 13th home run of the season to cut the lead to 6-2.

That was as close as Minnesota would get.

Cleveland added three runs in the ninth inning to put the game away, sending the Twins to another loss at the worst possible time of the season.

Kwan finished 3-for-4 with a home run, double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Bazzana drove in three runs, while Adell added two RBIs.

Larnach finished with a home run and a double for Minnesota, while Luke Keaschall collected two hits.

Ryan struggled in his second start since returning from the injured list, allowing four runs on seven hits over four innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Tanner Bibee kept the Twins’ offense in check for most of the afternoon, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven over 6⅔ innings.

The loss dropped Minnesota to 70-79 and further complicated what was already an uphill climb toward the postseason.

The Twins are not officially eliminated.

But at this point, the distinction is becoming more technical than realistic.

Minnesota has very little room left to make up ground, and Sunday’s loss took away another opportunity to keep its postseason hopes alive.

For a team that expected to be competing for October baseball in September, the final games of the season are quickly becoming a matter of how long the Twins can delay the inevitable.

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS:

Emmanuel Rodriguez didn't have to wait long to make his mark.

In his Major League debut Saturday afternoon, Rodriguez launched his first career home run, providing a spark for the Minnesota Twins in a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Target Field.

Rodriguez's home run came during a four-run third inning that gave the Twins a 4-1 lead and helped Minnesota turn an early deficit into a lead it would hold onto for the rest of the afternoon.

For a Twins team that has watched its postseason hopes continue to fade, the timing couldn't have been better.

Minnesota needed a response after Friday night's 5-2 loss to Cleveland, and the offense provided it in the third inning. Rodriguez's home run started the big inning before the Twins added three more runs to take control.

But the Guardians continued to battle.

Cleveland eventually cut the Twins' lead to 4-3, putting Minnesota's bullpen in another pressure situation late in the game.

This time, the Twins finished the job.

Minnesota's bullpen combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out eight and keeping the Guardians from completing the comeback.

That allowed the Twins to walk away with a much-needed victory and avoid another missed opportunity.

Rodriguez's debut was the story, though.

His first Major League home run gave the Twins a glimpse of what the young outfielder could bring to the organization, while giving fans a reason to be excited about the future.

At the same time, the Twins know there isn't much time left to turn their season around.

The postseason picture continues to become more difficult, making wins like Saturday's increasingly important. Minnesota still has ground to make up, but the Twins at least gave themselves another opportunity to keep fighting.

Saturday's win won't erase the challenges facing Minnesota, but it gave the team a positive moment when it needed one.

And it came from a player making his first appearance in a Twins uniform.

Rodriguez made sure his debut would be remembered.

Now the Twins will try to build on it Sunday when they face Cleveland again in the series finale at Target Field.

Cleveland Guardians

1. Steven Kwan — CF

2. José Ramírez — 3B

3. Chase DeLauter — DH

4. Jo Adell — RF

5. Ángel Martínez — LF

6. David Fry — 1B

7. Travis Bazzana — 2B

8. Austin Hedges — C

9. Brayan Rocchio — SS

Pitcher: Daniel Espino — RHP (0-0, 2.70 ERA)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF

2. Brooks Lee — 3B

3. Kody Clemens — 2B

4. Josh Bell — DH

5. Royce Lewis — 1B

6. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

7. Victor Caratini — C

8. Austin Martin — LF

9. Emmanuel Rodriguez — CF (MLB Debut)

Pitcher: Connor Prielipp — LHP (4-7, 5.25 ERA)

Team News and Notes:

The Twins have recalled OF Emmanuel Rodriguez from AAA St. Paul. Rodriguez will wear #21 and make his MLB Debut. In a corresponding move, rhe team optioned INF Ben Ross to AAA St. Paul.

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS :

The Minnesota Twins are running out of time.
With their playoff chances already dwindling, the Twins suffered another costly loss Friday night, falling to the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 at Target Field.

Minnesota entered the three-game series 4.5 games behind Cleveland for the American League's final Wild Card spot. The loss makes the uphill climb even steeper with the regular season quickly running out of games. 

The Twins had a chance to make up ground against the team directly ahead of them in the playoff race, but instead watched a late lead slip away. Minnesota took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Kody Clemens scored.

The Twins held that advantage until the seventh inning, when Cleveland finally broke through. Angel Martínez gave the Guardians a 2-1 lead with a two-run home run off A.J. Minter.

Minnesota answered in the bottom of the seventh.With two outs, Kaelen Culpepper delivered an RBI single to score Royce Lewis, tying the game at 2-2.

But the Twins couldn't finish the job.
Cleveland came back in the ninth inning and scored three runs, turning a tied game into a 5-2 advantage. Brayan Rocchio delivered a two-run double during the inning, putting the Guardians in control.

Minnesota's offense struggled to create enough opportunities throughout the night. The Twins finished with just six hits, went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven runners on base.

Kody Clemens was one of Minnesota's better hitters, going 2-for-4. Culpepper finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Lewis also drove in a run.
But once again, the Twins couldn't get the big hit when they needed it most.

The loss comes on the same day Minnesota learned that Byron Buxton will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery on his right hip. Buxton hit .254 with 25 home runs and 46 RBIs in 93 games this season. 

That only adds to the concern surrounding a Twins team that now finds itself needing a major turnaround with the postseason getting closer. Yennier Gómez took the loss, while Cleveland's Hunter Gaddis earned the win and Cade Smith recorded his 36th save.

The Twins still have two games remaining against Cleveland this weekend, but Friday's loss was a missed opportunity against the team they are chasing.

At this point, Minnesota's playoff chances are dwindling, and every remaining game has become increasingly important.

The Twins will look to bounce back Saturday, but they have little room left for another setback.

Cleveland Guardians 

1. Steven Kwan — CF

2. Chase DeLauter — DH

3. José Ramírez — 3B

4. Jo Adell — RF

5. Travis Bazzana — 2B

6. Nathaniel Lowe — 1B

7. Angel Martinez — LF

8. Austin Hedges — C

9. Brayan Rocchio — SS

P: Parker Messick — LHP (11-9, 2.53 ERA)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF

2. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

3. Ryan Jeffers — C

4. Josh Bell — DH

5. Kody Clemens — 2B

6. Royce Lewis — 1B

7. Brooks Lee — 3B

8. Austin Martin — LF

9. Walker Jenkins — CF

P: Taj Bradley — RHP (11-6, 3.95 ERA)

Team News and Notes:

Byron Buxton will undergo season-ending Hip Surgery next week.

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS :

The Minnesota Twins were unable to finish off a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. After battling through 11 innings, Detroit broke the game open in the 12th, scoring five runs to defeat Minnesota 11-6 at Target Field.

The loss dropped the Twins to 67-73 on the season, while the Tigers improved to 64-75.
The game was tied 6-6 heading into the 12th inning before Detroit's offense came alive. Spencer Torkelson started the scoring with a two-run home run, giving the Tigers an 8-6 lead. Detroit added three more runs in the inning to take an 11-6 advantage and put the game out of reach.

Detroit finished with 14 hits, led by John Peck, who went 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Max Clark had a strong night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored, an RBI and two walks. Javier Báez also came through with three RBIs, while Riley Greene drove in a run. The Tigers received additional production from Hao-Yu Lee, who went 1-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.

For Minnesota, Brooks Lee had an impressive night at the plate, going 3-for-6 with a run scored. Jeffers added a double and an RBI, going 1-for-6, while Josh Bell collected two hits. Trevor Larnach contributed a double and an RBI, and Royce Lewis drove in two runs. Keaschall also reached base and drove in a run.

Minnesota's offense finished with nine hits, but the Twins couldn't come through with the big hit late. The Twins had scored six runs through the first 11 innings, but Detroit's pitching staff kept Minnesota off the board in extra innings before the Tigers delivered the decisive blow in the 12th.

It was a tough ending for Minnesota, which had an opportunity to complete the sweep after winning the first two games of the series. Instead, Detroit's five-run 12th inning allowed the Tigers to escape Target Field with a victory and avoid the sweep.

For the Twins, the focus now turns to the next series as they continue to battle through the final stretch of the regular season.

Detroit Tigers

1. Kevin McGonigle — 3B
2. Hao-Yu Lee — 2B
3. Colt Keith — 1B
4. Riley Greene — DH
5. Eduardo Valencia — C
6. Brett Callahan — LF
7. Max Clark — CF
8. John Peck — SS
9. Zach McKinstry — RF

Pitcher: Drew Anderson (RHP)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF
2. Brooks Lee — 3B
3. Kody Clemens — 2B
4. Ryan Jeffers — C
5. Josh Bell — DH
6. Trevor Larnach — LF
7. Royce Lewis — 1B
8. Kaelen Culpepper — SS
9. Walker Jenkins — CF

Pitcher: Dean Kremer (RHP)

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS :

The Minnesota Twins continued their offensive surge Tuesday night, putting together one of their biggest offensive performances of the season in a 15-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Target Field.

After Detroit scored in the top of the first inning, the Twins answered immediately when Kody Clemens launched a solo home run to right field to tie the game. From there, Minnesota's offense took control.

The Twins scored three runs in the fifth inning before completely breaking the game open with a 10-run sixth inning, sending the game into blowout territory and putting the Tigers away. Minnesota finished the night with 15 runs on 13 hits, while Detroit managed just eight hits and two runs. The Twins also drew six walks and took advantage of several big opportunities with runners on base.

Royce Lewis led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with two runs, three RBIs, a double and a home run. His sixth-inning blast was his 14th home run of the season and helped fuel Minnesota's offensive explosion. Ryan Jeffers continued his outstanding series against Detroit, going 2-for-4 with a triple, home run, three RBIs and a run scored. Jeffers' home run was his 13th of the season.

Jeffers opened the scoring for Minnesota with a triple in the first inning after Clemens' home run, immediately putting pressure on Detroit starter Troy Melton. Luke Keaschall also had a strong night at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a double. Kaelen Culpepper added two hits and two RBIs, while Kody Clemens finished 1-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI.

The Twins' offensive attack wasn't limited to the long ball. Minnesota collected doubles from Keaschall, Lewis and Culpepper, while Jeffers provided the triple.

The sixth inning was where the game truly got away from Detroit. Minnesota sent the Tigers pitching staff into a long night, scoring 10 runs in the inning and turning a 4-1 game into a 14-1 rout. Connor Prielipp provided Minnesota with a much-needed strong outing on the mound.

After Andrew Morris opened the game with one inning, Prielipp entered in the second and shut down the Tigers over five innings, allowing just three hits and one unearned run while walking one and striking out five. Prielipp improved to 4-7 on the season and lowered his ERA to 5.28. 

Detroit starter Troy Melton, who entered the game with a 1.86 ERA, couldn't slow down the Twins lineup. He allowed seven runs, five earned, on six hits over 5⅓ innings, including two home runs. 

The Twins added another run in the eighth inning to complete the scoring.
Minnesota's lineup from top to bottom continued to create pressure, with Josh Bell scoring twice and drawing two walks, Trevor Larnach scoring twice, and Walker Jenkins scoring twice and reaching base with a walk.

The victory gives the Twins another convincing win over the Tigers and continues what has been an impressive offensive stretch for Minnesota. After scoring 11 runs in Monday night's series opener, the Twins followed it up with 15 more runs Tuesday, scoring 26 runs over the first two games of the series.

For a team fighting to stay in the postseason picture, Minnesota is getting hot at exactly the right time. And with the bats producing this kind of offense, the Twins are showing they aren't ready to go quietly.

Detroit Tigers

1. Kevin McGonigle — DH

2. Gleyber Torres — 2B

3. Dillon Dingler — C

4. Riley Greene — LF

5. Hao-Yu Lee — 3B

6. Spencer Torkelson — 1B

7. Max Clark — CF

8. Javier Báez — RF

9. John Peck — SS

Pitcher: Troy Melton (RHP)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF

2. Brooks Lee — 3B

3. Kody Clemens — 2B

4. Ryan Jeffers — C

5. Josh Bell — DH

6. Trevor Larnach — LF

7. Royce Lewis — 1B

8. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

9. Walker Jenkins — CF

Pitcher: Andrew Morris (RHP)

Team News and Notes:

Twins call up INF Ben Ross and RHP Garett Acton, as Rosters expand to 28 players. To make room for Ross on the 40-Man Roster, the club Designated for Release or Assignment OF Kyler Fedko.

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

The Disability Channel

MINNEAPOLIS :

The Minnesota Twins opened their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers with exactly the kind of offensive performance they needed. After struggling to consistently put runs on the board during a difficult month of August, the Twins erupted for 11 runs on nine hits Monday night, cruising to an 11-1 victory over the Tigers at Target Field.

Minnesota improved to 66-72 on the season and moved back above Detroit, which fell to 63-73, in the American League Central standings. The Tigers entered the series just one game behind the Twins.  Taj Bradley gave the Twins the pitching performance they needed to complement the offensive explosion. Bradley earned the win to improve to 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA, keeping Detroit's lineup under control while allowing the Minnesota offense to build an early cushion. The right-hander entered the game looking to finish August on a positive note after a difficult stretch. 

Minnesota wasted little time getting started. The Twins scored a run in the first inning before adding another in the fourth. The offense then broke the game open with three runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth, turning what had been a competitive game early into a runaway victory. Minnesota added another run in the seventh and two more in the eighth before putting the game away. Ryan Jeffers delivered one of the biggest offensive performances of the night, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, four RBIs and a walk. Jeffers' four-RBI night was a major part of the Twins' offensive attack and continued a stretch in which Minnesota's lineup has shown flashes of the production it is capable of.

Brooks Lee also drove in three runs, while Kody Clemens finished 1-for-2 with two runs scored, two RBIs and a walk. Clemens' impact continues to be important for a Twins lineup that has needed contributions from throughout the batting order. Luke Keaschall scored three times and went 2-for-3 with a walk, while Walker Jenkins continued to show why the organization is excited about his future. Jenkins went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBIs and a walk. Royce Lewis scored once, while Kaelen Culpepper added a hit and a run scored. Trevor Larnach also collected a hit.

The Twins finished with nine hits, but it was their ability to capitalize on opportunities that made the difference. Minnesota consistently put pressure on Detroit pitching and avoided allowing the Tigers to settle back into the game. Detroit managed only five hits and one run. The Tigers' lone run came in the sixth inning, but by then Minnesota had already built a substantial lead. Jackson Jobe took the loss for Detroit, falling to 1-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

Jobe had been pitching well coming into Monday's matchup as he continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Tigers entered the series hoping his recent progress could carry over against Minnesota, but the Twins quickly changed that script.  For Minnesota, the victory provided more than just another win in the standings. The Twins entered the night coming off a disappointing series against the Chicago White Sox and an 8-17 August, a stretch that severely damaged their postseason hopes. 

But Monday's performance showed what this team can look like when the pitching and offense are working together. Bradley kept the Tigers in check, while the offense continually added on. With September arriving Tuesday, the Twins have little margin for error if they hope to remain relevant in the Wild Card race. But regardless of where the season ultimately goes, performances like Monday's give the organization valuable information about the players who could be part of the future. And on this night, the Twins looked like a team that had something to prove. They did it in convincing fashion.

Detroit Tigers

1. Gleyber Torres — 2B
2. Colt Keith — DH
3. Kevin McGonigle — SS
4. Dillon Dingler — C
5. Brett Callahan — LF
6. Zach McKinstry — RF
7. Spencer Torkelson — 1B
8. Max Clark — CF
9. Hao-Yu Lee — 3B

Pitcher: Jackson Jobe (RHP)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF
2. Brooks Lee — 3B
3. Kody Clemens — 2B
4. Ryan Jeffers — C
5. Josh Bell — DH
6. Trevor Larnach — LF
7. Royce Lewis — 1B
8. Kaelen Culpepper — SS
9. Walker Jenkins — CF

Pitcher: Taj Bradley (RHP)

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports &Entertainment Network 

The Disability Channel 

MINNEAPOLIS :

The Minnesota Twins needed a strong finish to their series against the Chicago White Sox, and they got exactly that.

Behind a dominant start from Zebby Matthews and timely hitting throughout the lineup, the Twins defeated the White Sox 5-1 in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Target Field. 

Matthews delivered one of his best performances of the season, going 8⅓ innings while allowing five hits and one run. He walked nobody and struck out five, keeping the White Sox offense in check for most of the afternoon.

Matthews was in control from the beginning, attacking hitters and limiting Chicago's opportunities. He retired batter after batter while the Twins built an early lead. Minnesota jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning and never gave the White Sox a chance to get back into the game.

Josh Bell provided two RBIs and finished 2-for-4, while Trevor Larnach also drove in two runs. Brooks Lee added two hits and scored a run. Ryan Jeffers reached base multiple times, going 1-for-3 with two runs scored and a walk.

The Twins added to their lead in the seventh inning when Luke Keaschall launched a solo home run off José Urquidy, giving Minnesota a 5-0 advantage. Keaschall finished 2-for-3 with a home run, an RBI, a walk and a run scored.

The White Sox finally got on the scoreboard in the ninth inning when Braden Montgomery drove in their lone run. Matthews was pulled after allowing the run, and Jeff Hoffman came in to record the final two outs and close out the victory.

Matthews improved to 9-8 on the season with the win, lowering his ERA to 4.58. Minnesota's offense finished with nine hits and was particularly effective with runners in scoring position, going 3-for-4.

Chicago managed just six hits and went 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

After losing the first two games of the series, the Twins responded in the finale with strong pitching, timely hitting and solid defense. For Matthews, it was a performance Minnesota desperately needed. 

Going deep into the game allowed the Twins to stay away from much of their bullpen while giving the offense a chance to build an early cushion.

The Twins will look to carry that momentum forward as they continue their push down the stretch.

Chicago White Sox

1. Sam Antonacci — 2B
2. Munetaka Murakami — 1B
3. Miguel Vargas — 3B
4. Andrew Benintendi — DH
5. Braden Montgomery — RF
6. Colson Montgomery — SS
7. Tristan Peters — LF
8. Brenton Doyle — CF
9. Drew Romo — C

Pitcher: Jordan Hicks (RHP)

Minnesota Twins

1. Luke Keaschall — RF
2. Brooks Lee — 3B
3. Kody Clemens — 2B
4. Ryan Jeffers — C
5. Josh Bell — DH
6. Trevor Larnach — LF
7. Royce Lewis — 1B
8. Kaelen Culpepper — SS
9. Walker Jenkins — CF

Pitcher: Zebby Matthews (RHP)

Team News and Notes:

The Twins have placed CF Byron Buxton on the 10-Day IL and have promoted OF Gabby Gonzalez from AAA St. Paul.