The Twins/Royals series has so far been a uniform affair. The Twins won 4-2, lost 4-2 and won again on Sunday by the same tally, 4-2.
Max Kepler delivered the big blow in the form of a two-run home run and Randy Dobnak did just enough to improve to 4-1. He allowed two runs over five-plus innings with a walk and three strikeouts. Both runs were scored on solo home runs. Four relievers followed the Dobber, including Sergio Romo who struck out the side in the ninth on 15 pitches.
Once Romo locked down the save, he came flying off the mound like he usually does, slapping his glove and celebrating as only he can. It’s always great to see.
The Twins have won two of three games and go for the series win on Monday. Reliever Matt Wisler gets the ball as an opener.
Extra innings…
-The Dobber is now 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA.
-There was good defense in this one. The Twins turned two double plays, including a nifty bare-handed catch and throw by Luis Arraez at second base to get the runner at first. Eddie Rosario also made a sliding catch in left field, then doubled up the runner at second base. Marwin Gonzalez, too, made a nice play at the hot corner to get the runner heading to first base.
-The Twins scored four runs on six hits. Kepler and Arraez had four of the six hits, plus Nelson Cruz singled and catcher Alex Avila hit a double. Kepler drove in two runs, but so did Jorge Polanco. Polanco grounded out to drive in a run, then bunted to squeeze home the runner at third base, newcomer, IIdemaro Vargas.
Oh, the squeeze play!
Twins take advantage of Polanco's bunting ability and Vargas' speed to tack on an important insurance run.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 16, 2020
-The Twins improved to 9-2 at home and 14-8 overall. They have a one-game lead on the Cleveland Indians at 13-9. The White Sox are 11-11, the Tigers are a game under .500 and the Royals are 9-13.