The worst Twins team in franchise history lost 102 games in 1982. But a record that stood for 34 years fell Friday night after the Twins lost for the 103rd time this season to the Chicago White Sox, 7-3.
And like too many games this season, the Twins barely showed. There was little hitting, too much lousy pitching and plenty of free swinging as they struck out 12 times as a team.
Meanwhile, all those strikeouts helped White Sox starter Carlos Rodon, who has otherwise had an average season, look like Sandy Koufax after he struck out seven straight batters to start a game, tying an American League record held by Joe Cowley.
Twins starter Tyler Duffey got blasted, giving up two doubles, a triple and home run en route to five runs, all earned. Reliever Pat Dean wasn’t much better, but Pat Light finally made a scoreless appearance. He needs it, though, because his ERA stands at 11.34.
Two more games to go, Twins fans. Hector Santiago gets the ball on Saturday.
Extra innings…
-The Twins fell to 57-103.
-Old friend Justin Morneau, who came up with the Twins and played 11 seasons for the club, had a hit for the White Sox on Friday. Morneau won the AL MVP as a Twin in 2006.
-The Twins are 5-12 vs. the White Sox this season with two games to play.
Buxton strikes out. #MNTwins lose for 103rd time, most in franchise history since 1949 Senators went 50-104.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) October 1, 2016
Duffey wasn't good, but if Buxton was normal spectacular self and didn't have 2 deep flies glance off glove, his night would look different.
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) October 1, 2016
Murphy caught looking, and the 2016 Twins become 2nd in franchise history to reach 1,400 Ks. Record: 1,430 in 2013. Still 25 innings left.
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) October 1, 2016
Paul Molitor on Twins losing a Minnesota-record 103 games: “As far as the milestone, that is what it is. You kind of get what you deserve.”
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) October 1, 2016