Twins 4, Tigers 1: Kenta Maeda Dominates in Ejection-Filled Victory

[Matt Braun]

The ghost of Billy Martin must have watched over Comerica on Friday.

Image courtesy of © Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Box Score
Kenta Maeda: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Home Runs: Royce Lewis (4), Max Kepler (10)
Top 3 WPA: Kenta Maeda (.237), Max Kepler (.189), Brock Stewart (.078)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

 

Kenta Maeda returned to a major-league mound for the first time since his disastrous—and hazardous—start against the Yankees on April 26th. The veteran righty served as a source of consternation and minor troubles, not necessarily in his potential addition to the pitching staff, but because every incumbent seemed well-entrenched. Then Louie Varland struggled. Now it’s up to Maeda to determine his fate.

It started a little frustrating, which is really just par for the course in Minnesota this season. Two batters reached in the 1st, but a splitter vexed Kerry Carpenter—complete with the “why the hell did I swing at that” face most hitters make facing the pitch—and Javier Báez grounded into a double play; now the game could start.

The Twins offensively faced off against the lefty Joey Wentz, who gave the team a shocking amount of trouble in his previous start—a six-inning, nine-strikeout performance just this past weekend.

Royce Lewis quickly established that Friday’s tale would be a little different. He crushed a juicy fastball, pushing the boundaries of how high a homer can go with a 41-degree titanic blast expertly caught by someone holding a baby. 

Max Kepler—yes, that Max Kepler; yes, off a lefty; yes, after hitting two homers the previous week—then smoked a screaming liner off a lazy cutter, crushing the pitch 401 feet and just above the freshly-lowered homer boundary. Wentz wished it was last Saturday again.

In an unusual turn of events, Rocco Baldelli made himself enemies with an umpire yet again, screaming at Lance Barrett for apparently allowing Wentz to pitch before coming set—a grievous sin. Indeed, Wentz toed the balk line with his glove movement. Barrett was satisfied; Baldelli disagreed. The ejection was the 15th in 623 games for the now-feisty Baldelli.

The 2nd proved predictive in the game’s motion, but not immediately. Maeda punched out the side in the bottom of the frame, washing the events away with energy fueled with mightily missed hacks. 

And the rest of Maeda’s start played out in a similar fashion; Detroit could only total three hits and two walks off the veteran, and he returned the favor with interest in the form of eight strikeouts—the final punch-out especially sweet as he was able to convince Jayce Tingler to keep him in against Zach McKinstry.

But chaos could only restrain itself for so long, and the 6th turned sour with angst. The Twins scored one more run—thank God for Detroit’s clumsy defense—but paid with two more ejections: the first, Michael A. Taylor for complaining about two walks stolen from him by Barrett; the second, assistant hitting coach Derek Shomon, because he woke up wanting to fight (or supported Taylor, whichever you want to believe). The calls were indeed bad, maybe not worse than the common ebbs and flows the strike zone experiences in any game, but for the same event to happen twice to one player, it’s understandable that he would show some emotions—and if Taylor is upset, then you seriously screwed up. 

So started the running of the bullpens. Jovani Moran allowed two runners to reach base before Tingler ended his show early, calling on Brock Stewart to save the Twins from themselves once more. He did. Mostly. One run did score, but a double play from the lethargic (respectfully) Miguel Cabrera ended the rally, and Stewart made up for the minor gaffe by punching out the side the next inning. 

Griffin Jax soon earned his bread, leaving the 9th to a familiar friend.

Jhoan Duran made easy work of his first target before walking Matt Vierling, perhaps to add a tinge of drama. The great Cabrera fanned at a curve as devastating as any Duran has ever thrown before; the fireballer then somehow one-upped himself, catching Zack Short window-shopping at a nasty downer to conclude an emotional win. 

Notes:

Kenta Maeda earned 11 swings-and-misses on Friday.

Minnesota collected two Statcast "Barrels" in the game; one from Max Kepler and another from Kyle Farmer.

Twins pitchers struck out 16 batters, the most for Minnesota in 2023 since they punched out 17 Astros on April 8th. 

Brock Stewart lowered his season ERA to 0.73.

Post-Game Interview:

 

 

What’s Next?

The Twins and Tigers will play the second game of their weekend series on Saturday. A later affair, first pitch will exit Reese Olson’s right hand at 6:15 PM; Pablo López follows soon after. 

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

 

 

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[mikelink45]

What a great and timely performance. I did not expect it but I loved it. Lol

[blindeke]

Awesome job Kenta!

[USAFChief]

Kepler homers off a lefty, Rocco loses self control, Maeda Ks 8 in 5 shutout innings. 

 Baseball just never surprises anymore

 

[Dman]

Happy they were able to win despite battling the ump who desperately wanted to help the Tigers out of a tough bases loaded situation.  He proceeded to call strike three on Kirilloff on another pitch out of the zone.  He gave Kenta a K that wasn't a K as well but those calls with the bases loaded were rally killing.   They still found a way to win despite the ejections but that ump needs to look in the mirror and call a better game.  People get upset when bad calls are made and there were plenty in this one IMO.  The ejections prove the problem especially in key situations for the Twins.

[D.C Twins]

2023 Twins stuff that makes me happy in no particular order (trying to focus on the positives today):

1. Lewis

2. Ryan

3. Duran

4. Ober

5. Stewart

2023 Twins Stuff that could spark happiness in the near future

1. Julian continues development into elite MLB hitter (and a just-good-enough fielder)

2. Wallner to the MLB and sticks (I won't discuss what needs to happen for this to work... because this is a positive post ;)

3. Buck in CF again at ANY point this season (to signify that the long-term plan is not only DH)

4. Blaze develops into a bullpen weapon this year

5. Polanco comes back healthy for the 2nd part of the year (I believe he is our most reliable offensive spark when healthy)

[tarheeltwinsfan]

A wonderful victory, complete with a walleye fishing vest, Maeta's insistence on staying in the game, resulting in Jayce having the good sense to let him finish off the toy tigers, showing fight and guts and  above all...confidence, while there were plenty of Maeta's  pitches,  placed  as perfectly as a Martha Stewart place setting,  plus an emotional Rocco trying to act more like Gardy, resulting with an early exit once again for our beloved  manager, all followed by Matt Braun's exquisite literary game  summary.  Life is good. 

[Schmoeman5]

Can someone explain to me how Maeda can have a WPA of .237 for today's performance while Ryan had a WPA of .197 yesterday 

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, Schmoeman5 said:

Can someone explain to me how Maeda can have a WPA of .237 for today's performance while Ryan had a WPA of .197 yesterday 

Twins scored a lot more runs yesterday, so Ryan didn't change the odds much. 

[ziggy]

I can't wait to see Pagan close out tomorrows victory!!

 

Good for Rocco, about time he tries to light a fire under the rosters ass.  As a team they look like they are grinding out the dog days of summer, not June and atop of the division.

[Schmoeman5]

Just now, Mike Sixel said:

Twins scored a lot more runs yesterday, so Ryan didn't change the odds much. 

OK. Got it. Thanks 

[SwainZag]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Twins scored a lot more runs yesterday, so Ryan didn't change the odds much. 

Which is still kinda crazy.   Joe threw 9 innings and Maeda only 5.  Run difference was 6 to 4.  

[Jocko87]

44 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Twins scored a lot more runs yesterday, so Ryan didn't change the odds much. 

But if he'd have only gone 5 innings they might have needed those runs.  Much like Correa hitting it into the 2nd deck for a .960 xBA these stats are mostly worthless in the moment.  Its my belief, albeit just a hunch, that most of these stats default to fitting larger sample sizes before they mean anything. I get that WPA is a PA by PA deal but situationally Brock Stewart was in a much tougher spot.  Surprised he wasn't higher in WPA, he saved the game.

Quote

Minnesota collected two Statcast "Barrels" in the game; one from Max Kepler and another from Kyle Farmer.

From the article and I had to double check, the 105.3 mph, 404 ft home run was not a barrel.  Because, you know, the definition of a barrel doesn't actually have anything to do with quality of contact.  xBA of only .350 because if hit to the deepest part of the park its probably caught.  How they don't at least factor 3 sectors of direction into xBA is beyond me.  Anyway, off soapbox, its pretty easy to pick at these stats in the moment but with a larger sample size they work pretty well.  I would adjust some of the inputs for more accurate outputs but that's me.

Also, today I learned that the Twins have an assistant hitting coach.  He was ejected, and now we know him.  Good to see Kenta feeling good. 

Brock Stewart, man.  Stud delayed.

[Peter]

Kenta pitched awesome!!! Royce and max going deep as well Rocco getting ejected again. Another important win and great way to start road trip!!! 

[jmlease1]

Nice win. Good to see Kenta Maeda looking healthy and locked in; 8 Ks in 5 innings is impressive.

Royce Lewis is playing very well right now, and it's so fun to see. He's had such a tough journey with the injuries, and it's awesome to see him getting to play and let his talent and skill shine. He's probably going to need to be a little more selective at the plate eventually as pitchers start to react to him, but right now he's bashing it, so roll on Royce!

The umpiring continues to frustrate. Really tired of seeing Kirilloff get screwed on a bad call (he's gotten nailed more than any other Twin it seems like) and Michael A. Taylor isn't a complainer so him getting tossed says something. I'm more than ready for the electronic strike zone.

[Blyleven2011]

Nice 3 game winning streak ...

I wasn't expecting maeda to pitch this effectively  so was pleasantly surprised ...

Rocco getting ejected  again  , ( does it help fire up the  lineup and players ) , maybe , maybe not , but it's something Rocco doesn't show much of  ( emotion ) ...

Great start to the series  , now go clean house in Detroit and sweep the tigers under the rug ...

We need a 10 game winning streak , keep the fires burning ... 

[1991]

To hell with the Twins - I'm turning into a Reds fan.  What an exciting young team.  All built from within.

[Aerodeliria]

When Maeken is getting many swings and misses, it indicates his arm is fine. That happened in the first start and in this start. He obviously injured himself in his second start and should have been shut down then, but that's water under the bridge. Let's hope he can stay healthy for the remainder of the season.

[Dave Borton]

7 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

Also, today I learned that the Twins have an assistant hitting coach.  He was ejected, and now we know him. 

Actually, he should be assistant, assistant coach.

RHernandez
DPopkins
DShomon

Triplication

[OvertheHill]

Granted when we’re playing up to our capabilities we should be taking at least 3 out of 4 from a team like Detroit, I’m super encouraged by:

Maeda being really effective,

Lewis continuing to progress,

Jax setting down and doing his thing. 

Stewart seemingly coming out of nowhere to really help this bullpen. 

Kepler apparently ignoring all the “hate” from me and others on this site. 

Rocco for getting fired up. 
And my wife’s renewed interest in the club since she saw Rocco’s adorable daughter at the presser. Well played Rocco. 

[rv78]

Play of the game goes to the fan holding a baby and catching Lewis's Home Run ball bare-handed. I hope he got Lewis to sign the ball and eventually gives it to his kid. 

[wornsmooth]

9 hours ago, Dman said:

Happy they were able to win despite battling the ump who desperately wanted to help the Tigers out of a tough bases loaded situation.  He proceeded to call strike three on Kirilloff on another pitch out of the zone.  He gave Kenta a K that wasn't a K as well but those calls with the bases loaded were rally killing.   They still found a way to win despite the ejections but that ump needs to look in the mirror and call a better game.  People get upset when bad calls are made and there were plenty in this one IMO.  The ejections prove the problem especially in key situations for the Twins.

The number of bad calls when Kirillof is batting seems really high.

The cherry on top from those events, I would think, would cause a hitter to expand his strike zone to compensate for poor umpiring. Which would add more negative feedback on the next at bat.

Paradoxically, the strike zone seems to shrink when Lopez is pitching, so he has to compensate by bringing the pitch into fatter hitting zones.

I know my observations are not objective, but sure seems to be happening a lot.

 

[rwilfong86]

Probably the worst consistency behind the plate I've seen in a game all season. It's hard to win games when you're playing against the umpire behind the plate as well. Glad they were able to keep mostly cool heads after Taylor was tossed. 

[David Maro]

Maeta saying no I'm not done yet got everyone fired up. They needed someone to do that. Rocco is not capable of doing that. The team is 2-0 in the last two games that he was ejected. We have to have Lopez step up tonight and show a little of Maeta emotion. You have to win the games that you should.

[jorgenswest]

Maeda and Vazquez took advantage of the umpire’s strike zone really early on, Maeda only needed to throw 38 of 83 pitches in the strike zone to get to his 53 strikes. 

[Mike Sixel]

13 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Maeda and Vazquez took advantage of the umpire’s strike zone really early on, Maeda only needed to throw 38 of 83 pitches in the strike zone to get to his 53 strikes. 

That's awful. Wow. Crazy. 

[wabene]

3 hours ago, David Maro said:

Maeta saying no I'm not done yet got everyone fired up. They needed someone to do that. Rocco is not capable of doing that. The team is 2-0 in the last two games that he was ejected. We have to have Lopez step up tonight and show a little of Maeta emotion. You have to win the games that you should.

Wow this is such a stretch. Rocco just can't win with some fans. Lets his starter go for a complete game shut out and 112 pitches and the next game gets kicked out for arguing with the ump, but man is he soft, smh. 

[Riverbrian]

The Win was nice but the best moment of the game was the Maeda celebration on his final K of the game. 

That was baseball happiness. Made me happy that Kenta was happy. 

[John Belinski]

I wonder if Rocco pulls Maeda in the fifth inning and gives the ball to RP who then loses game for Twins.

I really think Rocco pulls Maeda, but since he wasn't managing we got the strike out from Maeda.

Maybe Rocco can get ejected tonight and the Twins win another game with a bunt that Rocco would not call.

[Dave Borton]

8 hours ago, OvertheHill said:

Stewart seemingly coming out of nowhere to really help this bullpen...

Detroit radio booth was raving about him. His FB has 5 mph more velo than when he last pitched.