Twins 9, Royals 0: Complimentary Baseball Wins Twins the Series

[Jamie Cameron]

The Twins put an excellent game together on Tuesday night, tallying 16 hits to crush the Royals and support Sonny Gray's 10 strikeout performance. The win closed the Guardians division lead to just one game.

Box Score
Starting Pitcher: Sonny Gray 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 SO
Homeruns: Gilberto Celestino (2)
Top 3 WPA: Sonny Gray .179, Caleb Thielbar .158, Gilberto Celestino .125
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

After doing ‘just enough’ on Monday night, the Twins were back at it on Tuesday, looking to get a winning streak, and some momentum going in their efforts to chase down the Cleveland Guardians. Here’s how they lined up against Zack Greinke. 

Jorge Polanco was the notable absentee after being lifted from the series opener with knee soreness after an awkward slide. Prior to the game, a pensive sounding Sonny Gray, somewhat carefully, stated his desire to pitch deeper into ballgames. I’d love to hear folks thoughts on Gray’s interview in the comments.

Gray Dominates Weak Royals Lineup
Whatever Sonny Gray was alluding to in his pre-game interview, he sure delivered in the mound. The Twins recent weeks have been incredibly frustrating to watch. Games have been punctuated by a sputtering offense, poor pitching, or both. Boy, did Gray hold up his end of the bargain on Tuesday night.

After cruising through six innings, Gray ran into trouble in the seventh, giving up back to back singles to Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. Gray was close to his best however, throwing 61 strikes in 92 pitches while racking up ten strikeouts, tying a season high. Gray was relieved by Caleb Thielbar with two men on and no outs in the seventh innings.

Lots of Hits, Not Enough Big Hits Early for Twins Offense
The offensive showing was painfully familiar through the firsttwo-thirdss of the game. Through five innings, the Twins had managed 8 hit, but managed just three runs off Zack Greinke. Going back to their poor final two games in the Angels series, the Twins were 4 for their last 34 (.117) with runners in scoring position.  

The Twins scored twice in the second inning. After a Gio Urshela single, Gilberto Celestino reached on a fielding error. A Sandy Leon bunt scored Urshela, while a Luis Arraez single brought home Celestino. Celestino added a solo home run in his next at bat in the fourth inning, his second in his last five games. With limited right-handed flexibility in the lineup, Celestino developing any kind of line drive power would be a welcome surprise for the Twins.

Thielbar Snuffs out Runners, Twins Add On
Despite Gray running into trouble in the top of the seventh inning, the Twins had the perfect foil in Caleb Thielbar. With two men on and no outs, he pitched a scoreless frame, striking out two. Thielbar has been one of the Twins best relievers in 2022, and outside April, has been the lone bullpen success story to start the season with the Twins not name Jhoan Duran. 

The Twins did what they have struggled to do in recent games in the bottom of the seventh inning, add on. A Max Kepler groundout, Gio Urshela single, and a Nick Gordon double added on three runs, increasing the lead to 6-0 and offering the kind of all around offensive output the Twins will need to continue to win the AL Central.

Michael Fulmer and Cole Sands pitched the final two (scoreless) innings of the game for Minnesota. In the bottom of the eighth, the Twins added three more runs, courtesy of singles from Jose Miranda, Gio Urshela, and Nick Gordon. After the wreckage had cleared, the Twins managed 16 hits and ended the game 6-18 with runners in scoring position.

Elsewhere in the AL Central, the Guardians lost, allowing the Twins to close within a game of Cleveland, having played two less games.

Bullpen Usage Chart

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUES	TOT
Duran	15	19	0	10	0	44
López	10	19	0	13	0	42
Fulmer	12	0	20	0	7	39
Thielbar	0	13	0	8	17	38
Jax	0	13	0	14	0	27
Megill	0	0	26	0	0	26
Pagan	0	9	10	0	0	19
Sands	0	0	0	0	19	19

Next Up
On Wednesday, the Twins will conclude their series against Kansas City. Tyler Mahle goes for the Twins against Daniel Lynch for the Royals. First pitch is 12:10pm CT

Postgame Interviews

 

 

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[tony&rodney]

The dugout was loose and feeling good tonight. The Twins needed a game like this.

[Aggies7]

I know we had a big win tonight, but I have to laugh….st Paul blew a 9 run lead tonight to….the AAA yankees 

[VivaBomboRivera!]

The quality of the opponent has much to do with the quality of the outcome, but if the Twins can remember to do all of the little things they've done the past two nights against real contenders, they might be able to do some contending themselves.

[AceWrigley]

That slider to strike out Melendez in the 6th was balderdash.

Gray & Leon looked like a mighty fine battery out there tonite. Great conviction on pitches by Gray.

6-18 with RISP; smell those ribbies.

[Game7-91]

5 minutes ago, VivaBomboRivera! said:

if the Twins can remember to do all of the little things they've done the past two nights

How about a suicide squeeze for a run!??

Sonny Gray interview not a great imo...signs of discontent, and left to wonder if he's the only one ...

[cHawk]

I wish the Twins would play like this more often

[Aggies7]

13 minutes ago, Game7-91 said:

How about a suicide squeeze for a run!??

Sonny Gray interview not a great imo...signs of discontent, and left to wonder if he's the only one ...

What did Gray say?

[FlyingFinn]

42 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

I know we had a big win tonight, but I have to laugh….st Paul blew a 9 run lead tonight to….the AAA yankees

Noticed that as well. Other things from that game - Derek Rodriguez was great but the other 3, all guys talked about at some point as potentially helping out the Twins, Henriquez, Schulfer and Moran, were horid. And that was to get all the Twins top 4 minor league teams to sweep the night. Damn Yankees!

Rortvedt batted cleanup for the Yankees but went hitless, dropping his average to .177. Maybe he will never hit well enough to catch in the majors.

[Aggies7]

40 minutes ago, Game7-91 said:

How about a suicide squeeze for a run!??

Sonny Gray interview not a great imo...signs of discontent, and left to wonder if he's the only one ...

Just saw it. Yeah he seemed pretty unhappy but unwilling to say something bad publicly. The ol’ “say it without saying it”. To be fair there were a couple games where he just falls off the map and loses it around the 4-5 inning. But I agree with the sentiment.

[GNess]

Gray is unhappy with being pulled early because he is a competitor.  Better expressed behind closed doors, but I get his discontent. 

[3balls2strikes]

Why did Baldelli use Fulmer in 8th when Twins had a 6-0 lead? He could have used Pagan in 8th or let Sands easily handle two innings.

Our supposedly 3rd best relief pitcher should be saved to hold a close lead in the 7th tomorrow, not waste his arm in a blowout today. Baldelli's managerial decisions continue to baffle. 

[mnfireman]

25 minutes ago, 3balls2strikes said:

Why did Baldelli use Fulmer in 8th when Twins had a 6-0 lead? He could have used Pagan in 8th or let Sands easily handle two innings.

Our supposedly 3rd best relief pitcher should be . to hold a close lead in the 7th tomorrow, not waste his arm in a blowout today. Baldelli's managerial decisions continue to baffle. 

Maybe Baldelli doesn't use the "B" (or "C") team line-up and Mahle goes 7 tomorrow, only needing Duran and Lopez (or Lopez and Duran, order doesn't matter). I think Gray would have had a longer leash if it was 6-0 instead of 3-0. 

Fulmer was getting loose when it was 3-0, so use him or lose him anyway for tomorrow. Would definitely have rather seen Pagan instead with a 6-0 lead. 

[stringer bell]

33 minutes ago, 3balls2strikes said:

Why did Baldelli use Fulmer in 8th when Twins had a 6-0 lead? He could have used Pagan in 8th or let Sands easily handle two innings.

Our supposedly 3rd best relief pitcher should be saved to hold a close lead in the 7th tomorrow, not waste his arm in a blowout today. Baldelli's managerial decisions continue to baffle. 

Fulmer was warming in the bottom of the seventh. As long as he was “hot” he was used despite the large lead. 
 

Fulmer most likely could still be used tomorrow, but Megill, Jax, Duran and Lopez should be rested and ready with an off day on Thursday. Pagán is also available. 

[jimbo92107]

First, Sonny Gray must realize that Baldelli will pull a starter that gets to the 7th inning and suddenly gives up two singles in a row. He has learned that through hard, bitter experience. Gray appears to think he's the exception to that rule. Okay, that may be true, but first you gotta stop that second guy from getting a hit. 

Second, Caleb Thielbar, y'all! At the start of this season, pretty much all of us thought Thielbar was a long-shot at the end of his career. Now he is becoming the designated rally-snuffer. Who'd a thunk it?

Third, Cole Sands, y'all! That guy knows how to play with the low zone - frisbee curves and ducking changes. This is the second time I have seen him make getting outs look easy. 

Good signs from the pitching staff!

[flpmagikat]

24 minutes ago, jimbo92107 said:

First, Sonny Gray must realize that Baldelli will pull a starter that gets to the 7th inning and suddenly gives up two singles in a row. He has learned that through hard, bitter experience. Gray appears to think he's the exception to that rule. Okay, that may be true, but first you gotta stop that second guy from getting a hit. 

Second, Caleb Thielbar, y'all! At the start of this season, pretty much all of us thought Thielbar was a long-shot at the end of his career. Now he is becoming the designated rally-snuffer. Who'd a thunk it?

Third, Cole Sands, y'all! That guy knows how to play with the low zone - frisbee curves and ducking changes. This is the second time I have seen him make getting outs look easy. 

Good signs from the pitching staff!

He didn't complain about getting pulled tonight, though. Gray actually said thank you to Rocco for letting him start the 7th, and that he knew he gave up the two quick singles and would be better next time. And that he just wants to pitch well enough to keep getting those opportunities. I mean, it could be a bad sign, but I just took the pregame comments as him having an extra little chip on his shoulder today, and he backed it up. They're all competitive guys obviously, but I have been impressed all year with his approach and compete level.

Good signs indeed!

[Monticore]

Liking Leon driving in runs with bunts. Thielbar impressive again.

[beckmt]

I agree with the comment on why not use Sands for 2 innings tonight.  Fullmer can probably pitch today, but would feel better if he also had the rest from yesterday. 

[h2oface]

I loved what Sonny Gray didn't say in the pregame short interview, and how he didn't say it. I have more respect for him now. Somebody needs to push back against the sad way the staff has been handled. Of course Sonny isn't not commenting on when he needed to be pulled, but he is (not) saying (with words) that the way the starting staff has been being pulled early is not what he wants. It is too bad the staff and FO have reverted to misuse of the starters and bullpen in their formulaic approach to baseball. I am all for utilizing advanced stats, but not being ruled by them. It seemed to wake Baldelli out of his chart trance tonight, and I am all for it.

[h2oface]

3 hours ago, jimbo92107 said:

First, Sonny Gray must realize that Baldelli will pull a starter that gets to the 7th inning and suddenly gives up two singles in a row. He has learned that through hard, bitter experience. Gray appears to think he's the exception to that rule. Okay, that may be true, but first you gotta stop that second guy from getting a hit. 

Second, Caleb Thielbar, y'all! At the start of this season, pretty much all of us thought Thielbar was a long-shot at the end of his career. Now he is becoming the designated rally-snuffer. Who'd a thunk it?

Third, Cole Sands, y'all! That guy knows how to play with the low zone - frisbee curves and ducking changes. This is the second time I have seen him make getting outs look easy. 

Good signs from the pitching staff!

That's right. Shame on Gray for giving up 3 total hits in 6+, and giving up two meager singles in a row finally. We got lucky that Thielbar or the next up didn't give up a first batter (or first pitch, even) hit to drive in at least one of the runners. Real lucky. 92 pitches. It was a fair call either way, tonight, but at 80 pitches it is not, and who is to say that Sonny wouldn't have added to his 10 Ks? No one knows now. It is nice to see Thielbar being effective. 

I am glad you are impressed by Sands, because his AAA results and his MLB results are still poor. He has had a couple of good, relaxed outings though. And I agree, that is needed and looking good. His command is still spotty.

[puckstopper1]

Hard not to like the offense (finally) in a 9-0 win.

I know it was the Royals, but I really loved the pitching - especially Gray attacking and Caleb Thielbar snuffing out any potential rally in the 7th.

[adjacent]

I am really impressed with Sandy Leon. As a catcher you see that he really know what he is doing. And the safety squeeze was perfect.

[FlyingFinn]

5 hours ago, 3balls2strikes said:

Our supposedly 3rd best relief pitcher should be saved to hold a close lead in the 7th tomorrow

He is not our 3rd best pitcher (we only traded an A level player for him). Duran, Lopez, Jax and Theilbar are all better than Fulmer.

[Blyleven2011]

What a box score ,,, 

Muti hits by many batters and 1 homerun ....

Gray was on even if it was the royals  ....

8 more wins to go for a 10 game winning streak and get the division lead back and keep it ...

[TwinsDr2021]

2 hours ago, h2oface said:

I loved what Sonny Gray didn't say in the pregame short interview, and how he didn't say it. I have more respect for him now. Somebody needs to push back against the sad way the staff has been handled. Of course Sonny isn't not commenting on when he needed to be pulled, but he is (not) saying (with words) that the way the starting staff has been being pulled early is not what he wants. It is too bad the staff and FO have reverted to misuse of the starters and bullpen in their formulaic approach to baseball. I am all for utilizing advanced stats, but not being ruled by them. It seemed to wake Baldelli out of his chart trance tonight, and I am all for it.

I hope Sonny Gray isn't allowed to talk about his time with the Twins to an top end free agent pitcher, any chance he signed and NDA?

[mikelink45]

8 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Noticed that as well. Other things from that game - Derek Rodriguez was great but the other 3, all guys talked about at some point as potentially helping out the Twins, Henriquez, Schulfer and Moran, were horid. And that was to get all the Twins top 4 minor league teams to sweep the night. Damn Yankees!

Rortvedt batted cleanup for the Yankees but went hitless, dropping his average to .177. Maybe he will never hit well enough to catch in the majors.

I can see how Rortvedt needs to improve his ABs, after all our catcher is batting 182.  

[mikelink45]

Thank you KC - we needed that.  Miranda, Arraez, Celestino, Gordon are showing that we have youth to move forward - if only Kiriloff and Larnach could stay healthy.  But Kepler has now batted 4 and 5 after his one good game.  Rocco, let him prove himself before putting him in key lineup positions.

Love Gray's desire to pitch longer in games - we need that.  It is not just fans who hate the early hook. 

[Dman]

I am happy they finally came through with runners in scoring position and finally broke a gamer open.  Even if it was against the AAA Royals they needed a game like this.  Happy to see Sonny dominate and the Twins need to win these games to stay in the race.  Hopefully this builds some confidence and things start falling their way.

[Whitey333]

What's not to like about Tuesdays game?  Clicked in all areas.  But I still temper it with the fact it's the Royals.  But Twins did a great job of taking advantage of a poor team.  Twins MUST win Wednesday.  A sweep against this team is essential.  My concern for Wednesday is what kind of a lineup Rocco has in there.  Keep the regulars in and finish off the Royals.  I hope he doesn't have a B or C lineup in today.

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, adjacent said:

I am really impressed with Sandy Leon. As a catcher you see that he really know what he is doing. And the safety squeeze was perfect.

Agree.  Thank goodness for Sandy Leon. Walks up to the plate and calmly (and perfectly) executes a safety squeeze.  Honestly, how many other Twins could do that as well as he did? Also gets a runner to 2nd for Arraez to drive home.  Good for Sandy and good for Rocco to put the play on.

We should not underestimate how important that first run was given the penchant for this team not to show up offensively. These little “baseball” plays matter a lot.