The Detroit Tigers’ Framber Valdez came into Wednesday night’s game holding a career 4-1 record with a 2.17 ERA against the Twins.
But rather than let him settle into a groove, the Twins appeared to employ a first-pitch swinging strategy against him that paid off with a six-run first inning. Byron Buxton was a big part of that attack with a 3-for-4 day at the top of the order with three runs scored and a walk.
The offense provided a nice cushion for starter Bailey Ober who was OK, allowing just two runs across five-plus innings. And then the bullpen was called on again and they made things very interesting.
Justin Topa secured an out, but Anthony Banda served up four runs on four hits, finally giving way to Cole Sands, who got the Twins out of the inning. He was followed by Cody L., who locked down four outs, including the first out in the ninth inning.
My preference was for him to stay in the game, but Twins Manager Derek Shelton wanted Kody Funderburk to face the Tigers’ left-handed slugger Riley Greene. Fundy walked the tightrope by walking and hitting a batter, but eventually earned the save.
Wednesday’s win also earned the Twins their first series win of the season. They go for the sweep on Thursday. Mick Abel gets the ball.
Extra innings…
–The Twins are 6-6.
–The Twins have banged out 10 or more hits in three straight games.
–Buxton did his job at the top of the order and Royce Lewis did his near the bottom of it with two hits, two RBI and a walk.
–Wednesday’s attendance was 13,038.
–How about those Colorado Rockies? They swept (!) the Houston Astros with a 9-1 win on Wednesday and ex-Twin Eddie Julien was a big part of it with two hits, two runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. He also was caught stealing and picked off to complete the full-meal deal.