If you’re already looking ahead to the Twins’ next opponent, I know why: You probably just want to flush the recent series and get on with things.
There’s good reason to because the Twins were swept by the Atlanta Braves, a team that is much better than their record would indicate. In fact, they made it look downright easy, casting aside the Twins for one more win on Wednesday, 5-1.
Chris Sale allowed a run over six innings and would appear to be a lock for the National League Cy Young award. He’s now 15-3 with a 2.58 ERA.
Twins starter David Festa pitched well, too, allowing just two runs over six innings with seven strikeouts. Outside of the recent Bailey Ober appearance, the starting pitching hasn’t been bad. Not as consistent has been the lineup’s production and bullpen. The Twins scored only a run on seven hits, and despite scoreless appearances from Michael Tonkin and Ronny Henriquez, Caleb Thielbar and Jorge Alcala served up three runs. Two runs were charged to Thielbar and the third run to Alcala, whose stock continues to plummet. He has really struggled of late.
The Twins get the Blue Jays next. Pablo Lopez is on the bump.
Extra innings…
-The Twins are 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are now 3.5 games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians and 2.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals.
-September is almost here and it’s not exactly easy street for the Twins.
Some key series:
-The Twins have seven games on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays and Royals. The Twins are 1-2 versus the Rays and 7-3 against the Royals.
-The Twins also have seven games on the road against the Guards and Red Sox. They are 2-7 versus Cleveland and 2-1 against the Sox. This is the make-or-break series of the season. The Twins might still claim a wild card spot if they don’t play well, but my guess is the division will be out of reach if they lose to the Guards.
Beat the Guards, Minnesota. Beat ’em.
-And the whole shebang ends with three games at home against the Baltimore Orioles. Why can’t it be the White Sox? Nope. That ship has sailed, Twins fans. If both teams are still in contention for post-season play, this series could be a balls to the wall showdown of the highest order. Get ready.