Twins 7, Astros 5: Royce Lewis Storybook Return Fuels Extra-Inning Win

[Aerodeliria]

16 hours ago, ashbury said:

Nerve-wracking but a satisfying outcome.  World Series here we come! 😀

/ edit - haven't seen mention of Jorge Lopez's three-up three-down eighth inning (okay, so a DP was needed), and I want to highlight that as key to letting Duran cover the ninth and tenth.  He's had a bumpy time of late, so coming through like that was big!

That was uncharacteristic of Baldelli to let Duran go more than one, but it was certainly the right call.

[Aerodeliria]

On 5/30/2023 at 2:20 PM, Blyleven2011 said:

Thanks , very  knowledgeable write up ...

Although we like to throw blame around on the relievers...and they do deserve plenty of it to be sure, the hitters have sucked (another 15 Ks today...that's ghastly) and the fielding has been atrocious (all year).

With that said, even though we had yet another bullpen collapse, it's a breath of fresh air to get a win at Houston (I was worried about getting swept actually).

[Mark G]

1 hour ago, Aerodeliria said:

Although we like to throw blame around on the relievers...and they do deserve plenty of it to be sure, but the hitters have sucked (another 15 Ks today...that's ghastly) and the fielding has been atrocious (all year).

With that said, even though we had yet another bullpen collapse, it's a breath of fresh air to get a win at Houston (I was worried bout getting swept actually).

Rocco did his best impersonation of Jekyll/Hyde in this one, pulling his best starter for no real reason and watching the lead vanish, then keeping his best reliever in, for a very real reason, and got the win in spite of himself.  I guess you never know with him.  🫣

Tuesday's game will be interesting on both sides.  They put a lot of pitches on their two guns out of the bullpen and we put a crap load on our #1.  Who will be sent out today on both sides?  Stay tuned, I guess.  

[Mark G]

5 hours ago, jkcarew said:

This.

Wallner is K’ing at a 37% clip in AAA playing full time. There’s about a 100% chance that at least one of Gallo and Kepler won’t be here next year (to say nothing of 2nd-half injuries this season). If he keeps working/improving, he’s going to get his chance.

Exactly.  And, as it is with all of their moves, it all depends on who has options left; not who is playing or producing the best at the time.  

[UK Twin]

I would not have wanted to be in the firing line of the bullet that Jeffers sent into the left field seats. Goodness, that left the park in a hurry. Correa may not have got a hit but still had decent at bats - his walk started the 2 out rally which saw Lewis smack a 3 run homer. Umpire also rung him up on a pitch outside the strike zone as well so not getting the breaks either - not worried about him at all.

All in all a great win. Altuve's GS would have been hard to come back from but that's exactly what happened. Lewis could be in with a shout of ROTY if he stays on the field (I think he's still eligible). 

[UK Twin]

7 hours ago, Aerodeliria said:

Although we like to throw blame around on the relievers...and they do deserve plenty of it to be sure, but the hitters have sucked (another 15 Ks today...that's ghastly) and the fielding has been atrocious (all year).

With that said, even though we had yet another bullpen collapse, it's a breath of fresh air to get a win at Houston (I was worried bout getting swept actually).

I wouldn't call it a bullpen collapse. 2 of the runners in the 7th were Gray's responsibility. And Stewart made one bad pitch and got punished by an elite hitter. It happens. Lopez and Duran put up zero's. 

[h2oface]

4 hours ago, darwin22 said:

As much as credit (deservedly so) as Lewis should get by his performance today, I was interested to see how "BAD" our bullpen has been this month as it seemed quite a few losses can be centered on their failures.

I found the following "pieces of information" that other may/may not find informative/interesting:

1.  No surprise here:   Jax and Lopez have been dreadful.

Jax:  11 games/ 1-4 W-L record/ 0 holds/ 6.10 ERA in 10.33 IP.  WHIP has soared to 2.13 this month.  K to BB ratio is "ok"..12-6.  Hopefully his last 3 appearances---0 runs with 0 BB and 6 K's is an indicator of him turning things around.

Lopez:  12 games/0-2 W-L record/ 1 hold/ 1 SV, but 3 BLOWN SAVES in 11.0 IP with 3 HRs allowed.  ERA in May has soared to 7.36 and his WHIP is awful (1.727).  Far too many walks--6 in those 11 IP.  His late inning work today was good to see.

If these 2 key arms don't correct things very soon, any hope of playing meaningful games past the ASB won't happen.  As much recent blame can be put on Jax and Lopez, I place as much OR MORE blame on the FO for totally ignoring adding to this pen in the offseason.  Far too much confidence was placed on Alcala returning in an effective set up role.  After some early season success---in May he got hammered ( 4 games/ 10.13 ERA/1.689 WHIP in 6IP with 3 HRs allowed).

2.  Duran has been what we hoped for but hasn't pitched enough.

He has the SAME number of saves this month (1) as Lopez and Stewart.

Would it surprise anyone that including today Duran has only appeared in 8 games this month?  Jax, Lopez, Stewart, Moran and Pagan have ALL appeared more often than Duran.  When Duran pitches, he's VERY GOOD!  In those 8 games, 0.00 ERA in 10.67 IP with a miniscule 0.75 WHIP and a K to BB ratio of 5:1 (15-3)

3.  Brock Stewart has been terrific.

How many fans even knew who he was or who he had pitched for before getting called up in late April?  I didn't.

Despite his allowing the grand salami to (cheater) Altuve, he's been a godsend to this pen in May with the struggles of Jax and Lopez.  13 games/ 4 holds/ 1 SV/ 1.50 ERA in 12.0 IP.  Very good numbers.  What is concerning is high walk rate (10). which has pushed his WHIP to 1.50.  

4.  Jovani Moran:  Very quietly Moran is shutting up the doubters (myself included) by putting these numbers up in May. 12 games/ 6 Holds, which leads the pen/ 12.0 IP with a 2.25 ERA, which includes an excellent 0.917 WHIP.  On top of that, he appears to gaining command as evidenced by his 14-4 K to BB ratio.  Moran has been even better recently.  Over his last 6 games:  5 holds/ 0.00 ERA in 6.2 IP with a 0.60 WHIP.   

With Thielbar returning soon from the IL, Moran has made the case to stay in this bullpen.

5.  Emilio Pagan

First to admit, I've wanted Pagan GONE/DFA'ed from this team for a long time.  Saying that, his numbers THIS MONTH say he'll be around for a period of time.  11 games/ 2-0 W-L record/ 11.0 IP with a 3.27 ERA and a very strong 0.91 WHIP.  I'm not saying I want to see him pitching in a high leverage situation (ahead or game tied from 7th inning on), but he's been "ok".  

6.  Jose DeLeon

I'm sure I'm in the minority on DeLeon, but his performance, albeit in only 5 games this month, imo, shows he's worthy of some higher leverage situations with Jax and Lopez having issues.  Only 7.2 IP, but has a 3.52 ERA--which would be 1.17 if not for Pagan's implosion on May 17th---with a good WHIP (1.17).  Most impressive to me is his 10-2 K to BB rate.

Overall for the month of May---for those interested, these final numbers for our bullpen.  

W-L record:  4-9------------Team is 11-14 this month as a "group" not good.  Lopez and Jax responsible for 6 of those 9 losses

Saves:  Only 3---1 each by Duran, Lopez and Stewart

Holds:  12/ Moran with 6 and Stewart with 4

IP:  86.67 over 25 games.  To me, a telling stat as it indicates our pen is having to cover on the average 3.47 innings per game.  Over the 25 games this month none of our 5 starters are averaging 6 IP per start.  Today was the 1st start this month that Gray had a quality start.  Need our SP rotation to give us more innings.  That also goes to Rocco not having too quick of a hook.  I would've like to see Gray stay in today with his only at 79 when he got hooked in the 7th.

ERA:  3.531/ Not sure how that ranks with our teams. But it appears respectable, especially considering the trainwreck that Lopez and Jax have been.

WHIP:  1.292/  Not sure of what numbers were in April, but this number is too high.

K's:  98/ 1.13 per inning.  Good.

K to BB rate:  2.33/ 98-42

 

 

Great summary. One thing not noted - even with Duran not being used much this month, Lopez 23.0 innings/25 games, 337 pitches/14.65 pitches per inning, Moran 23.0/20/401/17.43, Jax 22.1/24/387/17.33, Pagan 21.2/20/370/17.08, and Duran 21.1/20/324/15.19, all have about the same amount of innings, Lopez and Duran the most economical amount of pitches.

And no mention of what is the most important stat for a relief pitcher, at least for me, the true indicator of "relief" - inherited runners scored and the ratio.

[Karbo]

I don't believe this club can reach its full potential as long as we keep this coaching staff. Gray was cruising before he hits a rough spot, then gets pulled. Unless something was physically wrong with him, why not show an ounce of confidence in him to try to work thru it? I feel gor him that he has left so many games ahead only to have the pen blow it. Someome needs to tie Rocco down so he can't go out to play DR. Hook!

[Fezig]

15. Count them, 15 strikeouts in one game. That is why I follow the team via box score. Anyone that thinks that is entertaining baseball lives in a advanced metrics world that's ruining the game and sending people over to soccer. Friggin soccer! 

[Mark G]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

I don't believe this club can reach its full potential as long as we keep this coaching staff. Gray was cruising before he hits a rough spot, then gets pulled. Unless something was physically wrong with him, why not show an ounce of confidence in him to try to work thru it? I feel gor him that he has left so many games ahead only to have the pen blow it. Someome needs to tie Rocco down so he can't go out to play DR. Hook!

Did anyone else notice his reaction when the hook came?  He held it in really well, but the body language suggested (to me at least) he wasn't happy to see Rocco.  And his reaction to the grand slam said it all.  

He has been very diplomatic, but he has also been up front about wanting to pitch his game.  He has proven (to me at least) he is good enough to do it.  Unless there is some kind of underlying numbers I don't know about that says from the 25th plate appearance on he gets lit up, he has earned the chance to pitch his game. 

[jmlease1]

19 minutes ago, Fezig said:

15. Count them, 15 strikeouts in one game. That is why I follow the team via box score. Anyone that thinks that is entertaining baseball lives in a advanced metrics world that's ruining the game and sending people over to soccer. Friggin soccer! 

they also had 14 hits? (and took 5 more walks. walks are "boring" too, though)

Difficult spot for Rocco with the pitching in the 7th. Gray was really good to that point, and then started to lose the plot. If you leave him in and he gives up the Big Fly, you get buried for it. If you pull him and the bullpen can put out the fire, you get buried for it (like he's getting slammed here). It's something of a no-win situation: if the players can't get the job done, the manager is going to get whacked (especially by the people who have been gunning for the manager all season).

Storybook return for Royce indeed. Love to see it. Everything we know about him to date says "good dude", and he deserves this. Looking forward to watching Royce Lewis more.

[bighat]

Without Lewis this game ends in a 5-1 loss. 

He's delivered as advertised when he's been in the majors, let's hope no injuries derail him this time. 

Great to see him step up, sad that nobody else could do the job. I hope his presence energizes this clubhouse and starts activating the talent in guys like Buxton and Correa! 

[Peter]

Huge much needed win!!! Royce is the real deal!!! Must keep in lineup every game!!! My nerves are fried especially after giving up grand slam!!! But twins found a way to win!!! Let’s hope this win gives twins the spark they need and pull away from central division!!!

[UK Twin]

19 minutes ago, bighat said:

Without Lewis this game ends in a 5-1 loss. 

He's delivered as advertised when he's been in the majors, let's hope no injuries derail him this time. 

Great to see him step up, sad that nobody else could do the job. I hope his presence energizes this clubhouse and starts activating the talent in guys like Buxton and Correa! 

He got the key hits but his 3 run HR required Correa and AK (who had a quietly good game) to get on base so he hardly did it on his own. His game tying single also required people getting on ahead of him. The team has been very inconsistent batting with RISP but they are getting chances in every game. 

[Trov]

Great game for Lewis.  I did not see his first at-bat, but his HR was a great 2 strike approach.  He hit a nice liner to right that carried just far enough.  His last at-bat was also great approach.  He said he was looking for the slider and hit it right back up the middle.  I know he has very small amount of time in majors and even high minors constantly coming off injuries, but every thing I have see at the plate with him I like.  He is not just trying to hit HR or pull the ball but has an actual plan up there and adjusts to the count.  I know he will rarely play back to back games for awhile but will look forward to every game he plays. 

The ump yesterday had a terrible zone.  Not sure what his score card was, but he had a few very bad calls, and some in big situations. 

[Squirrel]

30 minutes ago, bighat said:

Without Lewis this game ends in a 5-1 loss. 

He's delivered as advertised when he's been in the majors, let's hope no injuries derail him this time. 

Great to see him step up, sad that nobody else could do the job. I hope his presence energizes this clubhouse and starts activating the talent in guys like Buxton and Correa! 

And without Altuve, we win easily. I mean … just about every game has a hero

[Squirrel]

3 minutes ago, Trov said:

The ump yesterday had a terrible zone.  Not sure what his score card was, but he had a few very bad calls, and some in big situations. 

And that has seemed more and more prevalent lately. Too much so.

[Mortimerkenny21]

9 hours ago, Squirrel said:

What is this? Trying to jinx the holy mackerel?

Trying to add a little variety, it's the spice of life!

[DJL44]

12 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Okay - the young guys are doing what the vets have not - so why Gallo and Kepler and not Wallner? 

Gallo has been about as good as can be expected. Higher OBP and OPS+ than Buxton and good defense too. I don't know what more people want from him, he's delivered.

[Squirrel]

2 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Gallo has been about as good as can be expected. Higher OBP and OPS+ than Buxton and good defense too. I don't know what more people want from him, he's delivered.

They see him strike out, often, and forget the rest. I get that, though, but agree with you that he has delivered

[UK Twin]

2 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

They see him strike out, often, and forget the rest. I get that, though, but agree with you that he has delivered

He's always been strike out prone. As long as he can hit around .210-.220 and hit 30+ homers he'll have been well worth the punt. He's the sort of hitter who can change a game with one swing and it's well worth the strike outs when he properly connects with a swing.

[Mortimerkenny21]

6 hours ago, UK Twin said:

I would not have wanted to be in the firing line of the bullet that Jeffers sent into the left field seats. Goodness, that left the park in a hurry.

That is what amazed me and made me chuckle was how dang fast it got to the seats! I feel like you're always waiting a few seconds to see if it's going to leave the park, but nope it felt like it was there instantly!

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, bighat said:

I hope [Royce Lewis] presence energizes this clubhouse and starts activating the talent in guys like Buxton and Correa! 

Is he going to be the athletic trainer too?

[John Belinski]

Maybe Lewis is the spark that has been missing. Without him the Twins would have lost that game. Sometimes when a player gets hot it also rubs off on other players so the whole team plays better.

[Blyleven2011]

7 hours ago, Mark G said:

Rocco did his best impersonation of Jekyll/Hyde in this one, pulling his best starter for no real reason and watching the lead vanish, then keeping his best reliever in, for a very real reason, and got the win in spite of himself.  I guess you never know with him.  🫣

Tuesday's game will be interesting on both sides.  They put a lot of pitches on their two guns out of the bullpen and we put a crap load on our #1.  Who will be sent out today on both sides?  Stay tuned, I guess.  

I concur  we never know how Rocco's strategy will go , but the same can be said about the FO too ...

[jmlease1]

51 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

And that has seemed more and more prevalent lately. Too much so.

It does seem to be more often and more impactful this year, but maybe I'm just remembering the bad calls on the strike zone more readily this season. It feels like there's more inconsistency (which is bigger problem than just having a wide or high zone), especially late in games. The Twins rough and unlucky record in 1-run games magnifies it all, of course.

[Whitey333]

Yes a very entertaining game.  Baldellis decision to pull Gray with such a low pitch count was questionable at best.  His decision to leave Duran in there for a second inning appears right, at least for one game.  He will be unavailable Tuesday and maybe Wednesday as well.  But it was nice to see Baldelli actually going fir a win.  But I realize it's only one game.  It's funny:  people always use the adage it's only one game when they play poorly or give away a game.  But when the finally play a good game, as in one game people talk playoffs and world series.  The it's only one game theory then goes out the window.  Show some good positive consistency.  You are only as good as your next game.  Go Twins.  Let's take the series.

[Swing Batter-Batter]

13 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Okay - the young guys are doing what the vets have not - so why Gallo and Kepler and not Wallner?  That is my only complaint,   I know they contributed 5 Ks to keep us in the league lead, but seriously are these the batters we want when we need a hit, a runner????

I agree on Gallo. Kepler was doing well before the injury. Give him a few more games.

[Mark G]

30 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Is he going to be the athletic trainer too?

With his injury history and knowledge of rehab, I am not sure he would be any worse.  😉

[PDX Twin]

What would Jack Morris have done if Rocco had been his manager? Fist-fight on the mound maybe?

He probably gets pulled in the 6th inning of Game 7, 1991.