If ever there was a time to skip the finale of a three-game series, I think Sunday’s tilt between the Twins and Brewers would be that game.
Why? Well, after you have been outscored 26-6 in the first two games by the Brewers, including a shutout at the hands of a 36-year-old journeyman pitcher on Saturday, perhaps it’s just best to move on and prepare for the M’s arrival on Monday.
Let’s face it: this series has been an absolute disaster for the Twins. On Friday, they were bombed 17-6 and then on Saturday they eked out only four hits in the 9-0 loss.
Incredibly, Simeon Woods Richardson made a quality start in the game, allowing four runs (three earned) across six innings with three walks (not great) and three strikeouts. Although he was the pitcher of record, it was the bullpen that got lit up again just like they did on Friday.
Reliever Cole Sands secured five outs, but in the process he served up five runs (three earned) on six hits with one walk and no strikeouts. He was not helped by the usually sure-handed Harrison Bader in left field who made a major fielding gaffe in the inning.
Catcher Ryan Jeffers also committed a costly error earlier in the game, plus there were hits that fell between fielders or came up short in the infield. It was that kind of game.
The Twins will try to avoid the sweep on Sunday. David Festa gets the ball.
Extra innings…
–The Twins have now lost five straight series since winning three of four games over the West Sacramento A’s, or whatever you want to call them, at the beginning of June. Since then, they have dropped series to the Blue Jays, Rangers, Astros, Reds and Brewers.
–The Twins are 37-39. They now have a minus-9 run differential on the season.
–Starter Joe Ryan pitched OK in Friday’s loss, allowing three runs across five-plus innings with three walks and seven strikeouts. And then the bullpen got massacred, serving up nine runs. Justin Topa coughed up five runs, followed by Joey Wentz with four more.
–With the game completely out of reach, manager Rocco Baldelli again turned to position player Jonah Bride to get the Twins through the ninth inning. It did not go well as Bride was tagged for five more runs.
–The other bad news: Brooks Lee’s 19-game hitting streak went kaput on Saturday after he failed to extend it. I see he’s also taking some heat on social media for not hustling down to first base in the bottom of the ninth inning. Lee struck out, but the ball got away from the Brewers catcher, which means Lee could have tried to beat out the throw to first base. Instead, he walked back to the dugout.
–Watch out, Rocco. When players stop caring, you might have a problem on your hands.