Four games, 16 runs and three wins is how it all worked out for the Twins in their series with the Kansas City Royals. They won 4-2, lost 4-2, won again 4-2 and almost did it one more time, beating the Royals 4-1 on Monday.
Reliever Matt Wisler started the game and was followed by five more of his peers in the bullpen, who scattered seven hits and allowed one run over nine innings. The win went to Devin Smeltzer who struck out three over two-plus innings.
What’s left to say about Nelson Cruz? Nothing, except there’s no need to question whether the guy can produce at the plate. Here’s the short answer: He can. The 40-year-old Cruz hit two more home runs on Monday to give him eight on the season. He leads the Twins in batting average, runs scored, home runs and runs batted in with 23.
Kenta Maeda gets the ball Tuesday against the Brewers.
Extra innings…
-Cruz drove in two runs and so did Max Kepler and Byron Buxton with RBI singles.
-When one thinks of outstanding defensive plays, Buxton usually comes to mind. But how about Eddie Rosario of late? Rosie made another great play in left field on Monday after he expertly played the carom off the wall, then whirled around and threw a strike to second base to get the runner. And again, it wasn’t close.
-Let’s hear it for reliever Tyler Duffey. Duffey made another scoreless appearance on Monday and has yet to allow an earned run this season.
-The Twins are still looking for signs of life from catcher Mitch Garver. Garver was hitless in three at bats. He walked, struck out and grounded into a double play. He’s hitting .143.
-Jorge Polanco had two more hits at the top of the order and is now hitting .306.
-The Twins are 15-8.