Twins 2, Royals 0: Twins Pitchers Toss Second Straight Shutout

[Hans Birkeland]

It’s almost hard to believe, but on Saturday, the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0. The team is now 2-0 with both wins being by a score of 2-0. Find out more in our Game Recap below. 

Image courtesy of Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Box Score
SP: Sonny Gray: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 1 K (83 pitches, 52 strikes (62.7%)
Home Runs: None
Top 3 WPA: Sonny Gray (0.306), Jose Miranda (0.120), Jorge Lopez (0.092)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Gray’s Shaky Shutout
Coming off a headline-grabbing quote in which Sonny Gray expressed frustration with the leash afforded to Twins starters last year, the veteran was surprisingly shaky on a cool, windy day in Kansas City. He lacked fastball command, although his velocity was hitting 93 MPH regularly. In fact, his velocity ranged between 92.1 and 93.7 the whole game.

Gray countered this by throwing his full assortment of breaking pitches, many of which were left up in the zone with the Royals frequently making hard contact. Some key double plays and solid defense bailed Gray out. He was replaced to start the sixth inning, and although he likely did not appreciate that, Rocco probably did his ERA a favor in the end with the decision.

 

Twins not taking advantage of opportunities against Lyles
Jordan Lyles is the definition of a journeyman starting pitcher, pitching for his ninth organization in Kansas City. His career ERA+ is a deflated 83, meaning 17% below average. His only above-average stint was with Milwaukee in 2019, which tallied a total of 11 starts. Twins batters bailed Lyles out, chasing in hitters' counts and making mistakes on the bases. Thankfully, Byron Buxton was playing in this game.

Buxton’s Scare in 1st Inning
After roping a line drive down the left field line in his first at-bat, Buxton raced for second and slid into the bag with a double. He slid awkwardly and was lucky to avoid injury. It was not only the impact of the belly flop at his top speed but of his helmet hitting his face on the ricochet and the throw from left field nearly beaning him, for good measure. Two games in, sales for blood pressure medication in Minnesota figures to spike. He stayed in the game and scored on a Jose Miranda single to center. 

Just as he was yesterday, Buxton was in the middle of the first two scoring chances for the Twins. In the fifth inning, he used his high baseball IQ (or, shhhh… really bat baserunning but great luck, and speed?) to create a second run. After reaching on a single, Buxton advanced to second base on a wild pitch. 

He advanced to third base on a very risky play. On a ground ball to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Buxton took off for third, a cardinal sin in baseball. Fortunately, for the Twins Witt appeared to panic. He rushed his throw to third, short-arming the throw and allowing Buxton to be safe. Kyle Farmer came in to face a lefty reliever. He hit a fly ball to center field. It wasn’t deep and no one should try to score on that ball. But Buxton casually walked back to third base, took a few half-speed steps toward home, and then he took off. Vinnie Pasquantino cut off the ball, either thinking that Buxton wouldn’t tag, or because Jose Miranda had returned to first and faked a tag to second base. Regardless, Buxton and his speed scored again. 

At the end of the day, Buxton scored both of the Twins runs on Saturday after he scored one of the two Twins runs on Thursday. His impact on this team has already been witnessed. 

Jorge Alcala Returns
Making his first appearance in nearly a year, Alcala relieved Gray to start the sixth inning and walked the now very un-imposing Franmil Reyes. Relying heavily on his slider, Alcala was fortunate to avoid damage when Hunter Dozier lined out and Kyle Isbel hit the ball hard but right to Nick Gordon who teamed with the strong-armed Carlos Correa to convert an excellent double play. Not the most encouraging performance, but he kept the Royals scoreless.

Thielbar gets the 8th Inning
Nursing a two run lead, the Twins turned to veteran Caleb Thielbar in the eighth inning, after using Griffin Jax in the same situation on opening day. Jax worked a perfect seventh t and pitched well to the 8-9-1 hitters. Thielbar gave up a single to Salvador Perez but followed that with swinging strikeouts on his fastball to Pasquintino and Reyes. He looked dominant, and it will be interesting to see who the Twins turn to in the eight going forward.

Lopez gets the 9th Inning and the Save 
In a mild surprise Jorge López pitched the ninth, perhaps since the Royals 6-7-8 hitters were coming up. He looked to be at his best. He threw strikes and induced a weak pop-up to Hunter Dozier. Then he struck out Kyle Isbel and got a soft line-out to pinch hitter Michael Massey.

What’s Next? 
On Sunday, the Twins will send Joe Ryan to the mound for the third and final game of the series against Brad Keller. The Twins will be hoping to score more than two runs and complete the sweep in Kansas City. The game starts at 1:10 central time.  

Postgame Interviews

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

	TUE	WED	THU	FRI	SAT	TOT
Thielbar	0	0	11	0	18	29
Jax	0	0	9	0	11	20
Duran	0	0	16	0	0	16
López	0	0	5	0	8	13
Alcala	0	0	0	0	12	12
Sands	0	0	0	0	0	0
Moran	0	0	0	0	0	0
Pagán	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

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[cHawk]

There wasn’t much that I took away from this one. The only minor thing that I took away is that the Twins offense could struggle until those currently on the injured list heal and produce.

[blindeke]

The other takeaway is that Buxton is so good that he almost alters the physics of baseball.

[darwin22]

A few observations after today's 2nd straight shutout win:

1.  Totally non sustainable, but a 0.78 team WHIP is beyond impressive---mostly due to 7.2 shutout IP from our bullpen.

2.  Great seeing Jorge Alcala back.  I'm guessing Alcala will be eased back into high leverage (after 6 innings) situations.  IMO, a healthy and effective Alcala is the "X" factor in our bullpen.

3.  Sonny Gray needs to back up his words with his actions.  Gray was VERY fortunate to escape situations with RISP.  His command was poor.  Far too many walks (4) and inability (other than the 1st inning) to put batters away with 2 strikes.

4.  Absolutely need a strong 6+ IP start from Joe Ryan tomorrow.  Even with yesterday's off day, I would be shocked to see Rocco use Thielbar or Jax and to a lesser extent Lopez tomorrow. I base that on no "off day" on Monday with road series looming in MIA.  That leaves 4 to cover tomorrow.  

Sands:  ugh

Pagan:  no comment.  But if forced to, it would be along the lines of:  "Unless its a blowout (6+ runs) no #$%%^#$ way!

Moran:  I'm good with.  Would love to get 2 IP from him.

Duran:  Of course----that would be a good.

Now for (offensive) offense:

1.  Would be interesting to know the last time a MLB team started 2-0 with a team slugging % of .324?

2.  If we're forced into having to watch Kepler hit---can it at least being in lower third of lineup? In case you weren't aware-------Kepler is a goosegg for 9.  Not good.

3.  Joey Gallo:  6 ABs---4 whiffs.  His big defensive play TH (starting 3-2-4) DP saves him (for now) from further criticism.

4.  Buxton:  Realize his time in CF isn't coming any day soon even with Taylor not hitting (1-7), but can our training staff get some bubblewrap for him on the bases?

Will be interesting to see lineup tomorrow.

I would like to see the following changes:

Gordon to LF with Larnach moving over to RF.  Kepler riding pine.

Farmer getting start at 3B with Miranda moving to 1B.  Gallo to bench

Jeffers getting start at C giving Vasquez a break.  I know Vasquez is hitting well, but at some point I see Rocco wanting to give Jeffers a start.

 

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

Is Brady Singer injured?  How did the Twins manage to miss him in this opening series?

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

Kepler owns Keller.  He will play tomorrow. 

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

Love having Lopez close today,  leaving Duran available for tomorrow 

[mikelink45]

Once more Gallo showed who he is and I hate it.  Kepler leading off is like having an 8 man batting order.  Come on we can do better.  Yes - two shut outs - these are the Royals.  We score foUr runs in two games - come on - these are the Royals.

[FlyingFinn]

26 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_For_Life said:

Is Brady Singer injured?  How did the Twins manage to miss him in this opening series?

Radio announcers said he didn't pitch much in the WBC and is still ramping up so they couldn't start him in the first series.

[jmlease1]

Offense needs to get in gear, but the bullpen did a fine job shutting KC down. I'm not sad about starting the season with consecutive 2-0 victories. On the road, I take any victory I can get. 

Buxton is a guy who can create runs out of nothing. He's off to a nice start at the plate.

[ashbury]

I love the cat-that-ate-the-canary look on Buxton's face after he scores on the steal of home "sacrifice" fly.

[FlyingFinn]

31 minutes ago, darwin22 said:

Will be interesting to see lineup tomorrow.

Travel day with another road game on Monday - the lineup could be interesting. I'm betting Buxton is on the bench for a planned day off but hope I'm wrong. Jeffers surely will start. Sometimes managers like to get everyone some action in the first series - does that mean Castro starts (would we "rest" Correa" already)? I'm thinking Farmer starts at 2B, Gordon in LF and Larnach DH's.

Warm weather in Miami. I would like to see Buxton in CF.

[Fat Calvin]

I know I shouldn't be doing this, looking back, but Arraez went 4 for 5 today at the top of the Marlin's order.  His new team lost; his old team won.  And Lopez looked great on opening day.  But with Kepler batting first, and Gallo batting wherever, losing Arraez does leave a bitter taste.

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

28 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Radio announcers said he didn't pitch much in the WBC and is still ramping up so they couldn't start him in the first series.

Thanks for the info on Brady Singer.  He is one of the better starters in the AL.  Glad the Twins miss him this time around. 

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

18 minutes ago, Fat Calvin said:

I know I shouldn't be doing this, looking back, but Arraez went 4 for 5 today at the top of the Marlin's order.  His new team lost; his old team won.  And Lopez looked great on opening day.  But with Kepler batting first, and Gallo batting wherever, losing Arraez does leave a bitter taste.

I understand your "frustration" with losing Arraez.  I feel the same way, but Lopez looked really good.  The rotation could be really good for the first time ever (at least in recent memory)

[darwin22]

1 hour ago, Twins_Fan_For_Life said:

Kepler owns Keller.  He will play tomorrow. 

Accurate comment as he's 7-19 (.368) with 2 HRs......but would ask if the majority of those hits came in Kepler's fraud of a season in 2019?

[weitz41]

I missed the game...I like the box score though. Duran hopefully set for tomorrow, Pagan as well.

1st place all by ourself!

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, darwin22 said:

A few observations after today's 2nd straight shutout win:

1.  Totally non sustainable, but a 0.78 team WHIP is beyond impressive---mostly due to 7.2 shutout IP from our bullpen.

2.  Great seeing Jorge Alcala back.  I'm guessing Alcala will be eased back into high leverage (after 6 innings) situations.  IMO, a healthy and effective Alcala is the "X" factor in our bullpen.

3.  Sonny Gray needs to back up his words with his actions.  Gray was VERY fortunate to escape situations with RISP.  His command was poor.  Far too many walks (4) and inability (other than the 1st inning) to put batters away with 2 strikes.

4.  Absolutely need a strong 6+ IP start from Joe Ryan tomorrow.  Even with yesterday's off day, I would be shocked to see Rocco use Thielbar or Jax and to a lesser extent Lopez tomorrow. I base that on no "off day" on Monday with road series looming in MIA.  That leaves 4 to cover tomorrow.  

Sands:  ugh

Pagan:  no comment.  But if forced to, it would be along the lines of:  "Unless its a blowout (6+ runs) no #$%%^#$ way!

Moran:  I'm good with.  Would love to get 2 IP from him.

Duran:  Of course----that would be a good.

Now for (offensive) offense:

1.  Would be interesting to know the last time a MLB team started 2-0 with a team slugging % of .324?

2.  If we're forced into having to watch Kepler hit---can it at least being in lower third of lineup? In case you weren't aware-------Kepler is a goosegg for 9.  Not good.

3.  Joey Gallo:  6 ABs---4 whiffs.  His big defensive play TH (starting 3-2-4) DP saves him (for now) from further criticism.

4.  Buxton:  Realize his time in CF isn't coming any day soon even with Taylor not hitting (1-7), but can our training staff get some bubblewrap for him on the bases?

Will be interesting to see lineup tomorrow.

I would like to see the following changes:

Gordon to LF with Larnach moving over to RF.  Kepler riding pine.

Farmer getting start at 3B with Miranda moving to 1B.  Gallo to bench

Jeffers getting start at C giving Vasquez a break.  I know Vasquez is hitting well, but at some point I see Rocco wanting to give Jeffers a start.

 

Do we think that the coaching staff or front office or anyone is even looking at how a hitter did over the course of 2 games? No one cares about an 0-for-7 two-game stretch. 

Also, I'm pretty sure that the lineups for all three games were set before Thursday (subject to change only due to injury). So, whatever the lineup is tomorrow is because that was the plan, not because of two games of at-bats. 

Jeffers will start, for sure. My guess is they have an ideal scenario where Vazquez catches two, Jeffers catches one, Vazquez catches two, Jeffers catches one... but again, that's all determined before each series. Farmer has played in both games. Solano in one. Willi Castro may get a start tomorrow too. With a right-hander on the mound, but I wouldn't sit the lefties against him (Kepler, Larnach, Gordon, Gallo... and Castro). 

[Shaitan]

The win is okay, I guess.

But the #9 hitter should've gone 7-for-7.

[Jocko87]

Maybe, just maybe, Buxton running around all crazy is a good sign that he feels good?

[Linus]

Couple of thoughts: Buxton essentially won the game but was not listed in the top 3 for wpa. Second the biggest reason Twins pitchers don’t get to pitch deeper into games is because they are inefficient. If you need 85 pitches to get thru 5 then the problem ain’t the manager. 

[wabene]

Buxton, fast, explosive, dynamic? Yes. Graceful? No. 

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

7 hours ago, darwin22 said:

9 hours ago, Twins_Fan_For_Life said:

Kepler owns Keller.  He will play tomorrow. 

Accurate comment as he's 7-19 (.368) with 2 HRs......but would ask if the majority of those hits came in Kepler's fraud of a season in 2019?

Perhaps.  But if he's going to play, this is a game that he needs to be starting. A RHP that he has had success against. 

[bighat]

For Twins fans who wonder when the new, action-packed rules going to start taking effect - they're definitely having an impact: 

Texas scored 16 runs yesterday, the Baltimore-Boston game was 8-7 and included a 6-run comeback and a walk-off homer. San Diego and Colorado combined for 12 runs, and so did NYY-SF. 

Alas, us long-suffering Twins fans have been subjected to some textbook vanilla baseball in our 2 games thus far. The offense looked bad on Thursday and looked bad today. Yes, the Twins are winning. But they are still stuck with a sputtering, low-energy offense that slowly sunk this team last year.

We'll likely see Jeffers, Farmer, Solano, and Willi Castro in the lineup today. It's also likely that Buxton could be rested. Get your blanket and pillows out folks, it's going to be a snooze-fest today (unless, of course, Pagan gets into the game).

 

 

[VivaBomboRivera!]

Buck, those slides are killing us, man...

[Jeff D.]

Good pitching wins games! Go TWINS!

Twins geezer..... out!

[HokieRif]

1 hour ago, bighat said:

We'll likely see Jeffers, Farmer, Solano, and Willi Castro in the lineup today. It's also likely that Buxton could be rested.

So what you are saying is get ready for a bitter game because the ONLY Twin to score this year is going to be riding pine.  

Right now this team's offense IS Buxton.  If he sits then we aren't winning.

[Peter]

Pitching has been excellent so far/only 2 games games but start to season is great!!! 2-0 with 2 shutouts!!!  

[rv78]

2 games in and the Twins have a whopping 4 runs against a lowly Royals staff. I'm not overly impressed that the pitching staff has thrown 2 shutouts as well again against a lowly Royals lineup. If they were playing one of the better teams in the league they are 0-2. 

2 games on the base paths and it looks like it is only a matter of time before Buxton is injured running the bases. He gets the game ball on the offensive side for both victories. Buxton = 2 points. Pitching has PLopez for 1/2 point and the Bullpen 1/2 point for Game 1. Gray =1/2 point and the Bullpen1/2 point, now at 1 point total. 

Kepler/ Gallo "2 holes in the lineup" watch, 2 games in = 0-15, 5-K's, 7-LOB. 

[Karbo]

27 minutes ago, Peter said:

Pitching has been excellent so far/only 2 games games but start to season is great!!! 2-0 with 2 shutouts!!!  

Is the pitching this good or are the Royals this bad?