Article: MIN 9, KC 6: Twins Swat Four Homers, Avoid Sweep

[Tom Froemming]

The Twins managed to end their series in Kansas City on a high note, combining to score nine runs on 18 hits in a victory that avoided a four-game sweep. Both Jorge Polanco and Johnny field collected four hits and were also contributors to the Twins slugging a season-high four home runs.Snapshot (chart via FanGraphs)

Gibson: 43 Game Score, 6.2 IP, 11 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 68.1% strikes (64 of 94 pitches)

Home Runs: Kepler (19), Austin (16), Field (7), Polanco (5)

Multi-Hit Games: Jorge Polanco (4-for-5, HR), Johnny Field (4-for-5, 2B, HR), Rosario (2-for-4), Forsythe (2-for-5), Gimenez (2-for-5)

WPA of 0.1 or higher: Polanco .240, Rogers .136, Field .130, Rosario .117

WPA of -0.1 or lower: Gibson -.151

Download attachment: WinChart916.png

Here are all four of the Twins home runs, which came off the bats of Max Kepler, Tyler Austin, Field and Polanco:

Austin also made a couple of nice defensive plays, including nice grab in foul territory, spilling over the railing and into an empty suite in the process.

Kyle Gibson tied a season high by giving up 11 hits and five earned runs. This was also just the second time all season that he didn’t walk a batter. Taylor Rogers retired all four of the batters he faced and Trevor Hildenberger gave up a run in the ninth.

 

So why the Robbie Grossman picture? It was his 29th birthday today (I also thought it was a pretty sweet pic). To celebrate, Robbie had a single and two walks.

 

Next Three Games

Mon at DET, 6:10 pm CT: TBD vs. Jordan Zimmermann

Tue at DET, 6:10 pm CT: Jake Odorizzi vs. Daniel Norris

Wed at DET, 12:10 pm CT: TBD vs. Spencer Turnbull

 

Last Three Games

KC 10, MIN 3: It’s a Hard Road

KC 8, MIN 4: OH THE HUMANITY!!!

KC 6, MIN 4: Coming Down is the Hardest Thing

 

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[USAFChief]

Appreciate the recaps Tom. Seriously.

[Han Joelo]

That was an athletic tumble by Austin.  While he's had his share of injuries, I've always been of the opinion that at least some injuries can be avoided through athleticism.  He tucked his head nicely and rolled onto his back nicely.  Still looked like it hurt, though.

 

I too appreciate these recaps.

[mikelink45]

So hard to get excited any more.  Tom, thanks for continuing to inform us. 

[DocBauer]

Thanks Tom! Much appreciated!

 

Must be hard in the doldrums of September to post re-cap, but they are still so much appreciated!

 

Hope Austin, his back especially, is OK.

 

I've seen a few not-so-great plays from Austin. And I've seen some poor performances at the plate. But I have also seen enough from him on the good side of everything that I sooo much want to look forward to his 2019 season. 26yo and clearly has some talent and ability. Just because he didn't fit in with N.Y. doesn't mean he doesn't have potential.

 

NOT the best day for Gibson. Hey, it happens. Makes up just a little bit for all the great games he pitched and took a loss or ND.

[ashbury]

I watched Austin make catches on 3 foul popups in 2 innings, at that one game in Pawtucket a few weeks ago. Of course at a AAA park there isn't a pit in foul territory to watch out for.

[Einheri]

What was up with KC's Gordon's uniform?  I think it all four games he had a similar (nigh identical?) grass/dirt smear across the name on his back.  Seemed to happen very early each game and felt (to me anyway) like he was deliberately smearing it up.  Maybe I'm crazy.

[USAFChief]

Seemed to happen very early each game and felt (to me anyway) like he was deliberately smearing it up.  Maybe I'm crazy.

Could be both.

[Platoon]

Thanks for the recaps, I read them every day. It's hard enough to watch the Twins now, it must be almost impossible to think and post about them. Btw, my birthday is in March, I will be forwarding a pic for you to use on that recap.

[Tom Froemming]

Thanks for sticking around and continuing to read these things everybody. What keeps me interested is that, even though the Twins have nothing to play for, some of these players are getting what may end up being their only/biggest shot. You never know.

 

Unfortunately, there have been quite a few guys who have not impressed. On the other hand, getting to see Astudillo on a regular basis is a treat and watching a performance like Austin's yesterday really gets you wondering about what he could become.

 

There's so much swing and miss in Austin's game, but it's impressive when he gets a hold of one. If he can cut back on the Ks and continue to provide strong defense like he did today, you've got a very exciting player. That's a big if, of course, but he's certainly among the reasons to keep watching over these last couple weeks. Hopefully his back is OK.

[Tom Froemming]

 

Thanks for the recaps, I read them every day. It's hard enough to watch the Twins now, it must be almost impossible to think and post about them. Btw, my birthday is in March, I will be forwarding a pic for you to use on that recap.

Ha! 

 

I figured I'd throw Robbie a bone. He's been playing really well of late (.878 OPS since the start of August), but just doesn't get a lot of attention/coverage. But what really is there to say?

 

It'll be interesting to see if Grossman returns in 2019. He's still getting on base (.355 OBP) and killing lefties (.822 OPS). He's definitely a Major League hitter, but he's so vanilla. Plus, at this point I think it's fair to say he is what he is. Unlike guys such as Cave or Austin, you can't really project Robbie to get any better from here.

[Cap'n Piranha]

I like Grossman a lot—as a bench/platoon hitter for a team with a stacked lineup. He’s not so great if you’re relying on him to be an every day kind of guy. But then, that’s not on him, that’s on the organization for not using him properly.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

 

What was up with KC's Gordon's uniform?  I think it all four games he had a similar (nigh identical?) grass/dirt smear across the name on his back.  Seemed to happen very early each game and felt (to me anyway) like he was deliberately smearing it up.  Maybe I'm crazy.

Gordan loves to slide while making catches, even when it may be unnecessary. But he can play left field on my team any time.

[Mike Sixel]

Thanks Tom!