Article: MIN 9, HOU 8: Max to the Rescue!

[Tom Froemming]

Things didn’t need to be this interesting. The Twins held an 8-1 lead at one point. They were even up 8-6 entering the ninth, but the Astros just wouldn’t go away. Good thing Max Kepler was in beast mode. He blasted a walk-off homer, his second dinger of the game, to give the Twins a series victory over Houston.Snapshot (chart via FanGraphs)

Download attachment: Snapshot411.png Download attachment: WinEx411.png

Here’s the walk-off homer:

For a moment, it appeared the Twins were going to turn a game-ending double play in the top of the ninth. Instead, Brian Dozier’s throw sailed past Fernando Rodney, who was coming over to cover first base. The ball bounced into the stands allowing two runs to score, tying the game at 8-8.

And if we go back even earlier in this game, there was a point where it really seemed unlikely any ninth inning dramatics were going to place.

 

Lance McCullers Jr. had a shut out going through three innings, but he fell apart in the fourth and the Twins pounced. The inning opened with back-to-back four-pitch walks followed by Ehrie Adianza and Brian Dozier each delivering RBI singles.

 

McCullers has extreme reverse splits over his career (.754 OPS vs. RHB, .628 OPS vs. LHB), and entering this game left-handed hitters had only gone 3-for-19 against him in 2018 with all three hits being singles. Instead of going to the bullpen at that point, McCullers remained in the game to face a lefty-heavy portion of the Twins lineup.

 

Joe Mauer walked to load the bases, then McCullers threw Eddie Rosario five-straight knuckle curves, the last of which was tattooed into the gap for a bases-clearing triple.

Logan Morrison followed with an RBI single and Kepler blasted a two-run homer to cap off an eight-run inning for the Twins. I enjoy a good bat flip, but Kepler may start a new trend with this savage mic drop he did after destroying that pitch:

Pretty impressive display from that trio of left-handed swingers. Unfortunately, that big lead didn’t last long.

 

Up 8-1, Kyle Gibson came back out in the top of the fifth and did some unraveling himself. After striking out the leadoff man, Gibson gave up four straight hits. Trevor Hildenberger took over with one out and the bases loaded. He could not stop the bleeding. Houston tallied four runs in the fifth to pull back to within three runs of the Twins. They scored again in the sixth.

Things could've gotten worst if it hadn't have been for Addison Reed. Zach Duke came in for the seventh inning and walked the leadoff batter. He struck out the next hitter, but then hit a guy and issued another free pass to load the bases. Reed got a massive strikeout and then induced an inning ending fly out from George Springer. Reed also pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

 

All’s well that ends well, but there are a few guys who I’m sure will be offering to buy Kepler dinner tonight. This series figured to be a huge test for the Twins. I'd say they nailed it.

 

Postgame With Molitor

Bullpen Usage

Here’s a quick look at the number of pitches thrown by the bullpen over the past five days:

Download attachment: Bullpen411.png

Next Three Games

Thu vs. CHW 7:10 pm CT

Fri vs. CHW 7:10 pm CT

Sat vs. CHW 1:10 pm CT

 

Last Three Games

MIN 4, HOU 1: Odorizzi, Twins Battle Their Way to Victory

HOU 2, MIN 0: Failure to Launch

SEA 11, MIN 4: That Escalated Quickly

 

More From Twins Daily

Logan Morrison: Bad or Just Bad Luck?

Changing Timeline: Is It Time To Start Worrying About Santana?

The Twins Almanac for April 8–14

 

Click here to view the article

[twinssporto]

These are great recaps!!!  Thanks Tom!

[USAFChief]

A demoralizing loss becomes an energizing win.

 

Nice.

[Vanimal46]

So, that tangible "turning the corner" for Gibson...

[TheLeviathan]

I freaking LOVE the way Kepler reacted after those homeruns.

[h2oface]

Some really good things happened today. The Astros can beat you in so many ways. Buxton got a hit. Even Morrison got a hit. Reed was great. The 8 run inning. And the Maximum walk off 2nd homer of the game! 

 

I personally can't stand Rodney being on this team, and expect him to blow leads. I am surprised if he doesn't. It is just a matter of time before this team eats it and moves on from him. But I expect Dozier to not make rookie decisions.......

 

"For a moment, it appeared the Twins were going to turn a game-ending double play in the top of the ninth. Instead, Brian Dozier’s throw sailed passed Fernando Rodney, who was coming over to cover first base. The ball bounced into the stands allowing two runs to score, tying the game at 8-8."

 

??? It was not even close. The runner had touched first base and the ball was still 10-15 feet or so from Rodney's glove..... that is if it was actually thrown to Rodney's glove. Dozier got nothing on the side arm throw, and seemed to even want to not throw it as he threw it. The lead (the metal) glove award for the game. That was an easy throw to not make. Dozier needs to lead (the verb) better.

 

Escobar got eaten up at third on that Stassi grounder, and a double play became another run scored. That was the double play, for a moment, that looked like it would happen, to me. Tough play, but Hildenberger had already let his 6th inherited runner score in his last 3 appearances in 5 days -  and that run became the 7th, 7 of 7, 100% (Duke 3 - double on the second pitch and homer on his 4th, Rodgers 1 - single on the 2nd pitch, Gibson 3 - single on the first pitch today - they all say thank you, I'm sure). 7 out of 7 runners inherited scored in his last three appearances, plus 3 earned of his own! I don't understand why he is still in Minnesota instead of Rochester, and especially why MOY is still using him, and bringing him in with the bases loaded, today, again? I think Hildenberger will get it together, but he needs to do it in Rochester, and not in the bigs. He has options. He has no touch since he arrived in ST camp.

 

Great win, all in all. But we only get better if we look at the good and the bad.

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

They won. Wasn't pretty on teh run prevention side, but the run scoring side was nice. 

[Han Joelo]

That's an extremely quick look at bullpen usage, at least on my computer.

 

I was listening to the game, paused it to run some errands, and came back to find the score had gone from 0-1 to 8-1.   Disappointed I'd missed it, I was delighted when I unpaused and the radio was still right where I'd left it.  By the time I got done listening to the 8 run rally, I checked the realtime score again and it was 8-6.  Sheesh.  

 

I'm a neophyte, but it seems like when Max means it, his bat speed is ferociously fast. Is there a device that measures bat speed yet?

 

Man, toe to toe with the Astros.  What was the final run tally?  13-11?

[mikelink45]

This win was really satisfying, but it also brings up a lot of mixed feelings about the season.  

• I like a player like Rosario or Kepler instead of Sano because a K does nothing to move the game forward.
• Gibson reminds me of Gibson - that's not good
• Duke looks like his rehab is not over
• Reed looks like the real thing
• Escobar should have had an error - that was the ball Hildenberg wanted
• Hildenberg should be in AAA until he gets settled, but then Duke and especially Rodney should be too.
• Our young outfield is still terrific.

[Circus Boy]

 

So, that tangible "turning the corner" for Gibson...

But... but... the team won its 11th straight game when he starts.

[h2oface]

 

But... but... the team won its 11th straight game when he starts.

 

I can hear Gibson mumbling, "Bite Me!" He gets no respect. The Rodney Dangerfield of the Minnesota Twins.

[Tom Froemming]

 

"For a moment, it appeared the Twins were going to turn a game-ending double play in the top of the ninth. Instead, Brian Dozier’s throw sailed passed Fernando Rodney, who was coming over to cover first base. The ball bounced into the stands allowing two runs to score, tying the game at 8-8."

 

??? It was not even close. The runner had touched first base and the ball was still 10-15 feet or so from Rodney's glove..... that is if it was actually thrown to Rodney's glove. Dozier got nothing on the side arm throw, and seemed to even want to not throw it as he threw it. The lead (the metal) glove award for the game. That was an easy throw to not make. Dozier needs to lead (the verb) better.

You didn't think that may have been a double play ball off the bat?

[Blake]

This was Gibson pitching against one of the best teams in baseball. Yes, it was disappointing he didn't make it through the 5th, but, these things happen.

 

And, the starter for one of the best teams in baseball got knocked around pretty good.

 

I'd say Gibson has done okay so far.

 

I still remain cautiously optimistic about Mr. Gibson.

[jkcarew]

Opponents are 23-12 against the league, and 4-6 against the Twins. Collectively they’ve shown resiliency, if not consistency.

[BoofBonser]

It was very encouraging to see basically the WHOLE lineup get in on the action today... 

The potential is there to have big days from any one of those bats, and as we saw today, they can explode when everything clicks

 

When the weather warms up and the team morale and chemistry is higher, I believe this lineup will rake.

[Han Joelo]

 

You didn't think that may have been a double play ball off the bat?

Cory Provus' voice did, therefore I did as well.

 

As long as the Twins keep winning, I like that Molitor is sticking with Hildenberger and others that are struggling.  There is something to be said for trust and loyalty.  Again, as long as the team is winning.  Builds good feelings all around to pick each other up.

 

Wish he'd give Moya a shot in some tighter spots.

 

 

[BoofBonser]

 

Opponents are 23-12 against the league, and 4-6 against the Twins. Collectively they’ve shown resiliency, if not consistency.

Very true... we've ran into some hot teams to start the year 

[Blake]

 

Opponents are 23-12 against the league, and 4-6 against the Twins. Collectively they’ve shown resiliency, if not consistency.

Yes, it was my impression the Twins have been playing pretty well against some good teams. Glad to see that impression confirmed.

[Tom Froemming]

I've now included video of both the non-double plays referenced in the comments.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I've now included video of both the non-double plays referenced in the comments.

hi Tom, is my phone being goofy, or is the bullpen chart missing from your article?

[minnesquatcha]

I can't see the bullpen usage chart... Not sure if just me or what...

[h2oface]

 

You didn't think that may have been a double play ball off the bat?

 

OK.... maybe for a second... two max. Definitely not anywhere close to a moment. ;-)

(I was screaming don't throw it. I mean, it was Rodney taking the throw!)

 

[adorduan]

This walk off win was nice, but the Twins are gonna need a long start from Berrios tomorrow.

[slash129]

How long until Kepler's hitting after Mauer against RHP? Hope the breakout continues.

[D.C Twins]

Is it just me, or does Das Kepler have sick bat speed through the zone.....

[Tom Froemming]

 

hi Tom, is my phone being goofy, or is the bullpen chart missing from your article?

You should be able to see all the usual bells & whistles now.

[DocBauer]

SSS to be sure. We're all just excited to have baseball back, but we also have to temper a few things, IMO, chief amongst them any "bad starts" by anyone in the first 10 games of a very long season.

 

6-4 to begin the season, amidst some horrible conditions and little to no batting practice, and an even split of away vs home games. I'm totally fine with that!

 

The offense shows real explosive ability and some guys aren't even warm yet, much less hot. We've seen a mix of good pitching and some not so great pitching. Some argue pitching in poor conditions, and some argue both teams play in the same conditions. I'd simply state: 6-4 to start with half the games on the road. Nothing bad there.

 

Again, SSS, but other than missing Santana and getting a couple guys warmed up...on the mound and at the plate...my only concern is the bullpen. Whether you are a fan or not, despite occasional bouts of WTH, Rodney HAS a very successful career and track record. As does Duke, who has been wild but also SO a bunch of guys. Reed has been great, Pressly has looked as good as ever. My concern is the DEPTH right now. Can Moya be trusted? Is Molitor ready to trust him? And what about Kinley? The arm is intriguing to be sure, but especially so early in the season...cold weather, SP still warming up, etc...can you really "hide" two guys? It's not about who has left. Not at this point. It's about playing the cards you have in hand.

[DocBauer]

Is it just me, or does Das Kepler have sick bat speed through the zone.....

 

Been saying for a while now how much i love this kid and how opposed I was to rumors of trading him. His bat speed is excellent! (Swear I can barely see the bat through the zone on his walk off homer today)! The smooth stroke and nice hands show, he's going to hit LH pitching better and better. There is an obsession with launch angles in regard to HR power. And it makes sense. Data supports fly balls vs grounders as being more productive overall. But when you can just RIP balls the way Kepler does at times, I don't give a crap what the actual angle is. He just hits laser beams....sharks or no sharks, LOL or like if you get the reference...whether it be singles, doubles, triples or homers. He just needs time. Tons of talent, especially raw when he was signed, only 25 and still less than a 1,000 ML AB.

[TFRazor]

Amazing that reed got what, 5 outs today? Only took him 19 pitches.

[kengrosz]

The Berlin Wallbreaker delivers!!!