Astros 5, Twins 1: Twins Fail to Launch in Space City

[Steven Trefz]

The Twins came into Tuesday night's game at Houston feeling over the moon after the come from behind victory on what will be forever known as "Royce Lewis Day." They ended tonight's game being placed firmly back to Earth. Here's how it all went down.

Image courtesy of Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Box Score
SP: Joe Ryan: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 6 K (88 pitches, 56 strikes (63.6%)
Home Runs: None
Bottom 3 WPA: Joe Ryan (-0.281), Byron Buxton (-0.115), Max Kepler (-0.059)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs) 

Say it Ain't So, Joe!
Ryan has been the most consistent Twins starter, and his W/L record shows it. Tuesday was not his night, however, as the Astros got to him early and often. Alex Bregman led off the second inning with a rocket shot (94 mph, barely cleared the fence) to left for a home run. A few batters later, it was Chas McCormick and his .222 batting average's turn to inflate Ryan's ERA with a moon shot to the train tracks in left. 3-0 Astros.

The hits just kept on coming for the Astros in the bottom of the third. A walk to Jeremy Pena with one out, and a single by Yordan Alvarez put runners on the corners for Bregman, and he delivered again with a run-scoring single to left to put the Astros up 4-0. Two batters later, Jose Abreu came up with the bases loaded, and while he couldn't replicate Jose Altuve's grand slam mojo, he did plate another run with a sacrifice fly (that Max Kepler caught while leaping into the wall in right). The Astro lead ballooned to 5-0, and it stayed that way until the fifth inning.

Royce Lewis, Save Us!
In the top of the fifth inning, Lewis stepped up to the plate and unleashed a 104.1 mph double to left. What followed shouldn't surprise Twins fans for the most part. Max Kepler struck out. Michael A. Taylor hit a ground out. The stage was set for the newly "Champion Ringed" Christian Vazquez to find a way to break out of his season-long slump, and he found a way to deliver a small dose of hope back into the game.

The Twins Offense Stinks...Bad
The top of the sixth inning started out well for the Twins, thanks to some uncharacteristic defense from the Astros. Edouard Julien led off with a shot to second base, and Altuve booted it. Carlos Correa drilled a 15 foot squirmer down the third  base line which wasn't fielded. Suddenly, the Twins had two on with no one out, and Byron Buxton strode to the plate.

One changeup later, Buxton hit into a 6-4-3 double play, and the hope meter decreased several notches yet again. Alex Kirilloff continued to get on base, however, and there were runners at the corners with superhero Lewis up at the plate. That walk chased Brandon Bielak from an excellent start, but reliever Phil Maton proved to be kryptonite to Lewis' abilities, and he struck him out swinging to end the threat.

Sands Saves the Week, Win or Lose
Out of all the predictions that were bandied about Twins Daily this week, a four-inning start by Ryan was not a common take. That's where the Twins found themselves Tuesday night, and luckily Cole Sands answered the call. After pitching only once in the last week, Sands found himself thrown into the fire against a hot lineup. He escaped the fifth and sixth innings without allowing a run, but left the game after walking two Astros in the seventh. Jovani Moran was the next man up, and one pitch and an Alvarez 4-6-3 double play later, the score remained 5-1.

The ability to eat up innings won't bring the win home today, but it factors into every other game this week as the Twins don't get another off day until next Monday.

A Double Play Kind of Day
The heart of the Twins order came up in the top of the eighth, with the team amassing only three hits in the first six. Julien led off with a bloop to right that barely missed Altuve's glove. Correa was first pitch swinging, however, and chopped a 6-4-3 to remove the threat. The string of that poor at-bat lingered, as Buxton walked and Kiriloff shot a single into right to put runners at the corners with two outs. This time Ryne Stanek played the role of kryptonite, and Twins fans were forced to reckon with the fact that Lewis can't win 'em all.

The Twins ended up getting six hits, limited the Astros to five hits, and managed to lose 5-1. That sums up Tuesday night's ballgame and the first third of this "Home Run or Bust" season quite well. Tough to watch, but a chance to redeem the series tomorrow.

What’s Next? 
The Minnesota Twins will look to secure the series win again in game three  as they send Louie Varland to the mound. The Astros will counter with young right-hander Hunter Brown.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm CDT.  

Postgame Interviews
(Coming Soon, if available) 

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	TOT
Sands	0	0	16	0	48	64
De León	19	0	27	0	0	46
Durán	0	12	0	29	0	41
Stewart	0	13	0	18	0	31
Pagán	21	0	7	0	0	28
López	0	22	0	6	0	28
Jax	0	0	12	0	8	20
Morán	0	9	0	0	1	10

 

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[cjm0926]

This offense has looked horrible given the talent it has for way too long. The only way I can think of to possibly make a difference is to shake things up in order to light a fire or make something click for some players. I cant see it happening with Rocco but a lineup such as this one may force some guys to have some better AB's and make adjustments, or keep dropping lower down in the order/ get replaced until they make the adjustments.

1 - Castro LF

2 - Kirilloff 1B

3 - Lewis 3B 

4 - Gallo RF

5 - Jeffers C

6 -  Correa SS

7 - Buxton DH

8 - Farmer/Solano 2B

9 - Taylor CF

Bench - Kepler, Farmer/Solano, Vazquez, Julien 

 

[stringer bell]

10 minutes ago, cjm0926 said:

This offense has looked horrible given the talent it has for way too long. The only way I can think of to possibly make a difference is to shake things up in order to light a fire or make something click for some players. I cant see it happening with Rocco but a lineup such as this one may force some guys to have some better AB's and make adjustments, or keep dropping lower down in the order/ get replaced until they make the adjustments.

1 - Castro LF

2 - Kirilloff 1B

3 - Lewis 3B 

4 - Gallo RF

5 - Jeffers C

6 -  Correa SS

7 - Buxton DH

8 - Farmer/Solano 2B

9 - Taylor CF

Bench - Kepler, Farmer/Solano, Vazquez, Julien 

 

I love to speculate on lineups. My guess is that Lewis gets tomorrow off and Farmer takes third base. Castro for MAT probably makes sense as well, although I missed his last start in center and understand it was less than stellar in the field. I'd like to see Kepler ride the pine for a while, as well. Weak contact and a couple of strikeouts again tonight. 

 

[stringer bell]

Kirilloff is looking really confident at the plate. He's already walked as many times as he did in 2021 in more than twice the number of at-bats. It looks like the wrist is good and I think he's going to be a fixture in the Twins' lineup for quite a while.

[srjr19]

Another day another starter you've never heard of locking the Twins up first time through and beyond.

[Wizard11]

Correa looks awful at the plate. It maybe me but it seems like he has adopted the Miguel Sano approach and hacking wildly at pitches down and away out of the zone.  His at bats seem like where hope goes to die.

[CoastiePilot08]

These recaps are sounding frustratingly similar 

[glunn]

1 hour ago, CoastiePilot08 said:

These recaps are sounding frustratingly similar 

Great recap well presented. Terrible game for the Twins. 

[TWTwinsFan]

the best lineup for now

1. Julien DH

2. Buxton CF

3. Correa SS

4. Kirilloff 1B

5. Lewis 3B

6. Wallner RF

7. Farmer 2B

8. Gallo LF

9. Jeffers/Vazques C

this team needs offence desperately, MAT no longer a starting CF 

Kepler is clearly not a ML hitter, trade him for a AAAA reliever or something

Farmer should be a starting player, ont on the bench

and no more Buxton as cleanup hitter, just terrible 

[Aerodeliria]

At least we extended our lead on team strikeouts. The SF Giants are really gonna have to up their whiffing game if they hope to catch the Twins now...

[Mark G]

It was nice to see Sands save the pen tonight.  Get yourself a steak out of petty cash, Cole.  😋

[William K Johnson]

A couple of things to chew on this morning:

- Do you really expect a lineup with Gallo, Kepler, Buxton, Correa and Taylor to score runs?

- Last year, Luis Arraez was leading off, this year it is Joey Gallo

- Put Buxton in CF and go with it.   Taylor can't hit (see Washington and Kansas City) and Buxton cannot adjust to the DH role.

- We are surely reaching the end with Max Kepler.

- Hats off to Cole Sands.   When he came in yesterday, I was just hoping that we would not get run ruled.   However, he kept us in the game.

- Why is it I feel that every time Buxton and Correa bat with men on base, a double-play in on the way.

- Kyle Farmer and Willie Castro bats are needed in this lineup now.

[mikelink45]

7 hours ago, cjm0926 said:

This offense has looked horrible given the talent it has for way too long. The only way I can think of to possibly make a difference is to shake things up in order to light a fire or make something click for some players. I cant see it happening with Rocco but a lineup such as this one may force some guys to have some better AB's and make adjustments, or keep dropping lower down in the order/ get replaced until they make the adjustments.

1 - Castro LF

2 - Kirilloff 1B

3 - Lewis 3B 

4 - Gallo RF

5 - Jeffers C

6 -  Correa SS

7 - Buxton DH

8 - Farmer/Solano 2B

9 - Taylor CF

Bench - Kepler, Farmer/Solano, Vazquez, Julien 

 

Insert Wallner at 4. And I would stay with Julien at 2B, but Farmer would be fine too. 

[mikelink45]

6 hours ago, Wizard11 said:

Correa looks awful at the plate. It maybe me but it seems like he has adopted the Miguel Sano approach and hacking wildly at pitches down and away out of the zone.  His at bats seem like where hope goes to die.

I think it is time for Correa to take a seat for a couple days or at least be dropped down in the lineup.

[mikelink45]

5 hours ago, TWTwinsFan said:

the best lineup for now

1. Julien DH

2. Buxton CF

3. Correa SS

4. Kirilloff 1B

5. Lewis 3B

6. Wallner RF

7. Farmer 2B

8. Gallo LF

9. Jeffers/Vazques C

this team needs offence desperately, MAT no longer a starting CF 

Kepler is clearly not a ML hitter, trade him for a AAAA reliever or something

Farmer should be a starting player, ont on the bench

and no more Buxton as cleanup hitter, just terrible 

I agree, except Correa has been in th3e 3 spot too long.  Make him earn it with a 7 spot. 

[Blyleven2011]

Why can't these players get hits ...

If they each got one hit each game they at least would have a .250 batting average each  ...

Something really has to be done with all these double digit strike out games ...

They take the field but do not come to play  ...

It's a terrible unexciting play of baseball  but I keep tuning in to see the game action and waiting for a highlight to happen  , the only highlight has been the pitching  ...

[bighat]

Every time this team gets even the slightest hint of momentum or a spark, it's immediately followed by a lifeless effort. 

Funny thing was, Correa was supposed to be that guy who brought fire and a passion for winning to this team. Carlos was a dude who gave his all and accepted no less from his teammates - at least that's what I read when he signed with the team. The Twins were getting passion for the game, a winning attitude, hustling, grinding it out - not to mention out of this world talent. 

Now the dude's as quiet as a mouse, batting .211 with a .600 OPS on a team that's desperately in need of a leader. What the heck happened? 

[TwinsDr2021]

Short Start - Check

More than 10 strike outs - Check

6 or less hits - Check

2 or less runs - Check

Seems like a pretty standard day at the park for the Twins.

[LastOnePicked]

5 minutes ago, bighat said:

Funny thing was, Correa was supposed to be that guy who brought fire and a passion for winning to this team. Carlos was a dude who gave his all and accepted no less from his teammates - at least that's what I read when he signed with the team. The Twins were getting passion for the game, a winning attitude, hustling, grinding it out - not to mention out of this world talent. 

Now the dude's as quiet as a mouse, batting .211 with a .600 OPS on a team that's desperately in need of a leader. What the heck happened? 

What happened? He became a Minnesota Twin in the Falvey/Levine/Rocco era. It's where grit, hustle and fire go to die. I wonder how long it will take to deflate Lewis. 

Systems are more likely to change people than people are likely to change systems.

[bighat]

8 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

What happened? He became a Minnesota Twin in the Falvey/Levine/Rocco era. It's where grit, hustle and fire go to die. I wonder how long it will take to deflate Lewis. 

Systems are more likely to change people than people are likely to change systems.

Sadly, that appears to be spot-on. 

I'm normally a Rocco supporter but I think this mopey, ho-hum schtick is getting a bit old. He'd be a fine manager for a well-oiled machine like the LA Dodgers - just sit back and get out of their way. But he's not built to manage teams that are struggling. I may be wrong, but he doesn't seem like a motivator. 

[MABB1959]

I think it is time to sit ANY players not meeting expectations and what they are paid to do.  Imagine benching Correa, Buxton and Kepler for a few games in a row.  Send a message to this team that their play is unacceptable.   

[Riverbrian]

58 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I think it is time for Correa to take a seat for a couple days or at least be dropped down in the lineup.

It certainly can't be denied that this is a discussion worth having. 

At the very least: 

1. Why does Correa get to keep his top three batting order position? Right now... Kirilloff, Lewis, Castro and Julien have been our best hitters.

2. Why doesn't the batting order change more significantly day to day? They certainly have matchup data beyond left/right splits that should influence significant line up changes from day to day. At the very least they have hot and cold numbers that we can all see. 

3. This last question has been bouncing off my brain walls for awhile now, and I really want to know the answer. If you are making data driven decisions to create SLIGHT advantages in the margins. Doesn't the lack of adjustment in response to the actual performance of Correa and others not meeting expectation negate all of those data driven decisions? 

In other words... the question for the front office in a nutshell is... What are you doing? 

[John Belinski]

When your top 2 paid hitters both hit into double plays it shows the Twins are in trouble.

Only Rocco knows why he keeps batting Correa at top of lineup when he is just not hitting. Rocco must think Correa will start hitting, but maybe dropping him in lineup will help take pressure off of him. No other team in baseball has a number 3 hitter with a average of about .200.  Rocco will just not make changes and that is one of his problems. If he refuses to make changes then the Twins need to hire a new manager, but the front office just extended his contract. I guess we will have to put with losing teams and Rocco for another 3 years which is so sad for Twins fans.

[Galen]

Maybe we should get a vest for players to wear every time they strike out.   Land of 10,000 _ _ _ _?

[MplsFan]

7 hours ago, TWTwinsFan said:

 

Kepler is clearly not a ML hitter, trade him for a AAAA reliever 

Yes.  I had the same thought last night particularly after I saw that Wallner was a single shy of a cycle.  I’m fine trading Kepler for a PTBNL or anything because I feel like getting his black hole of a bat out of the lineup would be addition by subtraction

[DJL44]

7 hours ago, Aerodeliria said:

At least we extended our lead on team strikeouts. The SF Giants are really gonna have to up their whiffing game if they hope to catch the Twins now...

I'll bet you're glad Buxton and Correa grounded into those double plays instead of striking out.

[ohiotwinsfan]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

It certainly can't be denied that this is a discussion worth having. 

At the very least: 

1. Why does Correa get to keep his top three batting order position? Right now... Kirilloff, Lewis, Castro and Julien have been our best hitters.

2. Why doesn't the batting order change more significantly day to day? They certainly have matchup data beyond left/right splits that should influence significant line up changes from day to day. At the very least they have hot and cold numbers that we can all see. 

3. This last question has been bouncing off my brain walls for awhile now, and I really want to know the answer. If you are making data driven decisions to create SLIGHT advantages in the margins. Doesn't the lack of adjustment in response to the actual performance of Correa and others not meeting expectation negate all of those data driven decisions? 

In other words... the question for the front office in a nutshell is... What are you doing? 

One would think that the data right in front of your eyes that Correa and to some extent Buxton for the last 2 months have not lived up to the needs and expectations of a top of the lineup hitter. And, that they should be moved down and someone with better production over the last 2 monts moved up. A week or two slump is a blip. 2 months is a long term trend.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

Why doesn't the batting order change more significantly day to day?

I thought the complaint last season was that Rocco changed the batting order too often and players couldn't get comfortable. Now people are complaining that he doesn't change the lineup enough?

THE BATTING ORDER WILL NOT SOLVE ANY ISSUES

[DJL44]

29 minutes ago, MplsFan said:

I’m fine trading Kepler for a PTBNL

Kepler is a perfectly cromulent major league player. He'd be a great bench player for most teams but he doesn't fit on this roster anymore. They have too many other LH bats who are better. I'd much rather give the playing time to Larnach.

[Dman]

The only bright side to this game for me was Sands looked pretty darn good out of the pen.  Maybe he can be a solution there if he can throw more strikes and keep hitters off balance.