Twins 2, Blue Jays 0: Minnesota Wins First Playoff Series in 20 Years Behind Dominant Pitching

[IndianaTwin]

Am I the only person who had a Darrell Evans flashback tonight? 

[Fat Calvin]

3 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

If I was a Toronto fan, I would have LOST. MY. MIND. when they pulled Berrios.

Thank the Lord that the Analytic Obsession sabotaged the other team today!  

Check out The Toronto Sun News.  There are a lot of posts from Blue Jay fans with "Lost Minds!"

[Fat Calvin]

6 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

"We’ve got a lot more to show...that is what I can tell you about this club, Ok?!"   Rocco's post-game response with some fire in his eyes...  Now THAT has been what I've been waiting to see from him.    It got me even more fired up when I didn't think that I could be anymore fired up!

This is the best post of the day (and the first to boot!)  I've been a Rocco critic since the day he got here.  My main gripe was his seemingly complete lack of fire.  And like you, I saw it too: the fire in his eyes.  First time I ever saw it. I was happily shocked!

[snotboogie]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

I was there, too! That was one amazing, incredible night!

That whole playoff season was incredible.  I lived across the river from downtown just off of University Ave SE. I swear I could go out at night during the playoff and WS games and hear the roar from the Dome. When they came home after beating Detroit, I walked over the 3rd Ave bridge to be a part of the celebration, thinking this was my one chance to be a part of the  excitement.  When they entered in from the right field doors to the field it was magical - unforgettable. 

Little did I know that a friend of mine had 2 tickets to the WS.  He offered his brother a ticket to game 7.  His brother said if he couldn't have both tickets, he wouldn't go. Brother Steve invited me.  My vocal cords have not been the same since. My only regret is that I didn't high-five governor Perpich when I passed him in the concourse after the game.  

That whole '87 vibe is coming back to me.  I hope that vibe goes all the way this year too.  

[Fat Calvin]

1 hour ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Good to know the injuries to Correa and Duran are not serious.  I would start Ober in Game one on his standard 5-days rest.  I think Ryan's last 3 starts were unimpressive enough that Ober has EARNED the ball to start the game.  I still think Ryan could be effective in an inning or two of relief, but at this point, based on who is throwing well and who isn't, our 3 SP should be Lopez, gray and OBER.  

I think there are going to be 4 starting pitchers in the next round (if it goes past 3 games).  My guess and hope is Ober, Lopez, Gray, Ryan and back to Lopez in that order.

[Unwinder]

Bullpen looks like a brick wall so far this postseason. No hope for the opposing team when the starter is pulled. Also the starter is good.

I understand what they were going for pulling Berrios, if I was managing a postseason team and had a lot of faith in my bullpen I might do the same: Get the Twins' lefty hitters out of the game early by playing a lefty pitcher, relying on Rocco to aggressively pinch-hit, then go back to righties after the bench is depleted. Then I don't have to worry about Kirilloff or Wallner or Julien for the rest of the game. Could've worked if Kikuchi had it today. As an opposing manager who had studied the tape, I would trust a lefty starter to hold off the Twins for a few innings.

[Aerodeliria]

57 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

Am I the only person who had a Darrell Evans flashback tonight? 

Nope. It jumped into my mind as soon as I saw the out sign given.

[Aerodeliria]

1 hour ago, David HK said:

We said a little prayer listening to the 9th on our morning walk past the temple... 🙏

Could you watch the game?

[Aerodeliria]

48 minutes ago, snotboogie said:

That whole playoff season was incredible.  I lived across the river from downtown just off of University Ave SE. I swear I could go out at night during the playoff and WS games and hear the roar from the Dome. When they came home after beating Detroit, I walked over the 3rd Ave bridge to be a part of the celebration, thinking this was my one chance to be a part of the  excitement.  When they entered in from the right field doors to the field it was magical - unforgettable. 

Little did I know that a friend of mine had 2 tickets to the WS.  He offered his brother a ticket to game 7.  His brother said if he couldn't have both tickets, he wouldn't go. Brother Steve invited me.  My vocal cords have not been the same since. My only regret is that I didn't high-five governor Perpich when I passed him in the concourse after the game.  

That whole '87 vibe is coming back to me.  I hope that vibe goes all the way this year too.  

 

I remember the first game in that Detroit series. I had to go to a sports bar to watch it because we couldn't get the game in San Diego on the regular channels and I had to pick up a friend of mine at the airport later, so I also wanted to be closer to the airport. I was literally the only Twins fan in the place, and it was a VERY hostile and drunk group. I only remember that the final score was 8-1 (I think) and that Viola was pitching (I think) and that one of the announcers said following the game (Brett Musberger I think) said that now Detroit would need to win one additional game to clinch the series and that I was fortunate not to leave that bar on a stretcher (I know that).

 

[Aerodeliria]

Just now, Aerodeliria said:

 

I remember the first game in that Detroit series. I had to go to a sports bar to watch it because we couldn't get the game in San Diego on the regular channels and I had to pick up a friend of mine at the airport later, so I also wanted to be closer to the airport. I was literally the only Twins fan in the place, and it was a VERY hostile and drunk group. I only remember that the final score was 8-5 (I think) and that Viola was pitching (I think) and that one of the announcers said following the game (Brett Musberger I think) said that now Detroit would need to win one additional game to clinch the series and that I was fortunate not to leave that bar on a stretcher (I know that).

 

 

[UK Twin]

Obviously you need to play well to advance in the play offs but you also could do with the Play Off Gods smiling down on you. For the first time in 19 years they did on the Twins. There are probably 7 or 8 key moments that could have derailed us if they hadn't gone our way: 

In game 1 the massive plays by Correa and Taylor which kept runs off the board but yesterday everything seemed to go our way: Schneider inexplicably taking Berrios out after 3+ innings, Guerrero getting picked off with Bichette at the plate with the tying run at 2nd to end the innings, Chapman's line drive which went foul by inches, if it went fair it would have cleared the bases and then GIDP on the very next pitch, ending the inning.

And then probably came the biggest break of the lot: Correa seemingly getting away unscathed after getting hit on the hand by a 99mph fastball. How that didn't break any bone in his hand and ending his participation this year God only knows. To not have Correa available going forward would be devastating for our chances. 

We're more than capable of beating Houston. If we can get back to Target Field with the series tied 1-1 or better we'll be in good shape. It will be tough but Correa's experience of playing in Houston and play offs will be vital. And Vasquez for that matter.

[BH67]

20 minutes ago, UK Twin said:

Obviously you need to play well to advance in the play offs but you also could do with the Play Off Gods smiling down on you. For the first time in 19 years they did on the Twins. There are probably 7 or 8 key moments that could have derailed us if they hadn't gone our way: 

It is said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity. These Twins are surely prepared -- but they are surely good, too.

[UK Twin]

As the Phillies showed last year, if you can pick up momentum at the right time it can carry you far. I reckon the Astros would have wanted the Blue Jays to win. Twins have been really hot since the start of September. We're a serious threat and we'll give Houston a hell of a series at the very least.

[Doctor Wu]

10 hours ago, snotboogie said:

I was in college in '87 when we beat Detroit in the ALCS.  There was a vibe.  I walked downtown and got into the Dome with thousands of others when the team came home  from beating the Tigers to celebrate. The sense of relief/excitement for the state of Minnesota is hard to describe. That was so special.

In the end, I ended up being able to go to game 7 of the '87 series.  Gaetti to Herby for the 3rd out in the 9th is etched in my brain.

I'm getting the same vibe this year.  What a special team.  With deeper starting pitching.

I'm getting the same vibe too. This is indeed a very special team. That said, we need to start scoring more runs. All this great pitching and stellar defense helps a lot, but I'd feel more comfortable with more runs scored too. 

[mickster]

10 hours ago, Dantes929 said:

So...  Not seeing much Baldelli bashing here.    Did he make all the right moves because they were the right moves or were they the right moves because they happened to work out?    I defended him all year but I was thinking Gray could have gone one more.     Really, we were only a Phil Ruzzi bad call from losing this game.   https://www.google.com/search?q=joe+mauer+yankees+playoff+worst+call&oq=joe+mauer+yankees+playoff+worst+call+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRirAjIHCAQQIRirAjIHCAUQIRirAjIHCAYQIRiPAjIHCAcQIRiPAtIBCDkzMDJqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b644bcab,vid:1ClQ1H8eJ0w,st:0

I also thought may Gray for one more.   He has a lot of high pressure situations and this was most likely the best move to make

 

[Doctor Wu]

7 hours ago, Aerodeliria said:

Probably some would give Lewis the MVP for this series, but for me it was Correa for his defense alone. He was just too smooth in the field. Whenever it is hit his way, there is a sigh of relief from me.

Good point. Obviously, those homers by Lewis were huge in game 1, but those couple of defensive gems by Correa really sealed the wins. Pivotal plays. 

[Doctor Wu]

7 hours ago, Fat Calvin said:

I think there are going to be 4 starting pitchers in the next round (if it goes past 3 games).  My guess and hope is Ober, Lopez, Gray, Ryan and back to Lopez in that order.

I'm still worried about Ryan starting one of the playoff games. I'd feel more optimistic if we threw Ober in there to start at least one time. 

[bighat]

11 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

2-18. What's the big deal, everyone?

Totally joking. I've got chills again and tears in my eyes. Either I've got COVID or Twins playoff fever.

Love this team. Lemme scrub all my 2023 TD posts, and then I can tell you that I knew they had it in them all along.

Keep it up, boys. This is how the magic gets made, a game at a time.

You and me both - man, I was so down on this team this season. I didn't even think they'd take the division let alone with a playoff game. Thrilled to have been proven wrong by this '23 team and I couldn't be more excited for Saturday's game. Let's shock Houston! 

[zwiefz]

On radio broadcast Gladden was bashing the Blue Jays(rightfully so) for falling into the analytical trap and taking Berrios out too early.

I'm glad it didn't end up making a difference, but I felt the same way about taking out Wallner so early for Castro.  An earlier post talked about Julien, Lewis, and Wallner making such a huge difference in the second half of the season.  Couldn't agree more, which is why I have one nit to pick.........

Hindsight is 20/20(especially since Castro hit into a double play), but I was really looking forward to seeing Wallner hit with bases loaded and no outs.  If he had connected for an extra base hit the place would have gone nuts.  If he hit one out for a grand slam the stadium may well have imploded :)

[dgdynasty]

ESPN can't believe it!

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, IaBeanCounter said:

I believe that once Toronto clinched a playoff slot on Saturday they preferred to play the Twins and they called up a minor league pitcher who gave 9 runs in 4 innings to seal a loss and the 6th seed.  If that was the case Karma may have upset their plans.  The Twins played very well and Tampa Bay played poorly.  JMHO

I think the opponent entered into the discussion but once Seattle lost... They were either the 5th or 6th seed. They didn't need to burn Gausman... they were going to be a road team win or lose so hold Gausman so he could start the opener...

But... yeah there may have been a little.. I'd rather go to Minnesota in that discussion. And for that.. I say

Careful what you wish for. 

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, zwiefz said:

On radio broadcast Gladden was bashing the Blue Jays(rightfully so) for falling into the analytical trap and taking Berrios out too early.

I'm glad it didn't end up making a difference, but I felt the same way about taking out Wallner so early for Castro.  An earlier post talked about Julien, Lewis, and Wallner making such a huge difference in the second half of the season.  Couldn't agree more, which is why I have one nit to pick.........

Hindsight is 20/20(especially since Castro hit into a double play), but I was really looking forward to seeing Wallner hit with bases loaded and no outs.  If he had connected for an extra base hit the place would have gone nuts.  If he hit one out for a grand slam the stadium may well have imploded :)

I'd be more upset if Rocco all of a sudden decided... OK... NOW... this is when I'm going to let you stay in a face a left hander. 

Rocco has been taking his young left handed hitters out against left handed pitching all year long and he has done it consistently. He has starved them all year long. We know it and the opposing managers know it.

It could be argued that Berrios was taken out of the game while looking incredible because Rocco has been so absolute consistent and predictable in this fashion. They knew before the game that Kikuchi was entering the game early to get those lefties out of the lineup. He was just sticking to the plan.

Kikuchi was up in the pen after the 1st inning. Schneider should have made the switch then but he chickened out. He allowed Berrios to continue so when he finally decided to stick with the plan... the move looked much much worse because Berrios stayed in long enough to look awesome. If Schneider yanks Berrios in the first... he isn't going to be as vilified. Either way.. the plan was in place because Rocco was going to take the lefties out... everybody knew he was going to do this so the Jays decided to help Rocco out. 

The SS Young lefthanded hitters facing left handed pitching (great name for a ship) has sailed... this die has been cast by consistently not letting them face lefties in May, June, July, August and September. You don't start letting them hit against lefties NOW. 

 

[jmlease1]

excellent win by the Twins. It's great to win a series, and have the pitching to get it done. 

Correa had a tough season (for him) at the plate, but he's been good in the field all year, and he really mattered in this series. Really smart play backing up Polanco in Game 1. Spotting the pickoff opportunity (and executing it) in Game 2. Turning DPs. And he's getting hits. This is exactly what we signed him for. Much as I want him to get 3 months off to heal from the plantar fasciitis...I'm move than ok with him getting 2 months off in exchange for a long run in the playoff, lol.

Duran is just filthy, BTW.

[UK Twin]

55 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

excellent win by the Twins. It's great to win a series, and have the pitching to get it done. 

Correa had a tough season (for him) at the plate, but he's been good in the field all year, and he really mattered in this series. Really smart play backing up Polanco in Game 1. Spotting the pickoff opportunity (and executing it) in Game 2. Turning DPs. And he's getting hits. This is exactly what we signed him for. Much as I want him to get 3 months off to heal from the plantar fasciitis...I'm move than ok with him getting 2 months off in exchange for a long run in the playoff, lol.

Duran is just filthy, BTW.

When Duran has command of his curveball he's unhittable. His issues in the regular season came from him not being able to throw it for a strike or get the hitter to chase it so he threw the fastball too often. He had the Toronto hitters completely befuddled with it over 2 innings. I think he struck one of them out with 3 straight curveball's in game one. That pitch is just pure filth and completely unfair when a hitter is expecting a fastball at 103! His ERA could be less than 2 next year. Probably should. 

[terrydactyls]

Starting pitchers:  11 innings, 1 run

Relief pitchers:  7 innings, 0 runs

That wins playoff series.

[Riverbrian]

11 hours ago, Rik19753 said:

I'll be the first to admit that I was one of those people. I just didn't see any formula for success, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

As a Minnesota sports fan, most times it works to my advantage when I try to be overly pessimistic, and I think this might be the first time I've been proven wrong. I could get used to this.

I'll never understand how anyone can see a formula for success or failure in a 3, 5 or even 7 game series between a .549 winning percentage and a .537 winning percentage... or even a .623 winning percentage and a .537 winning percentage. 

In the playoffs... Win or Lose... It's just different. It's a whole new level of baseball. I stopped breathing a couple of times. Weak Central... Awesome for us. We get the opportunity to stop breathing a couple of times. 

Bring on the Astros... I fear no one. 

And I also fear everyone. 

[Jeff D.]

I'm not a Baldelli fan at all. However, I must admit that this is the BEST I have seen the guy manage this team. He is making the right decisions at the right time and the players are responding. 

Today, it seems as though most people will not admit being wrong. I am truly hoping that Baldelli makes me eat my words. If that happens, I will be glad to converting to being neutral about the guy. It would take a bit more for me to convert. 

Baldelli has the players. This is a very cohesive team with tremendous flexibility. I am somewhat concerned that they did not hit well during this series. Also, a pause for concern about Polanco's play at third base. Other than that, this is a very fun team. What a beautiful two game close out over the Blue Jays.

Go Twins............Take out the Astros.

Twins Geezer.............out.

[stringer bell]

Many things went the Twins’ way and yet the two games could have been decided the other way by one swing of the bat. That’s postseason baseball. The hitters are facing the top starters and best bullpen options, so blowouts are unlikely and every run matters.  
 

On another matter, Ober is fully rested and could/should be an option for Game 1 of the ALDS. I would prefer he start Game 1 with López working Game 2. 

[Squirrel]

10 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

Am I the only person who had a Darrell Evans flashback tonight? 

Nope 

[jorgenswest]

Credit to the noise, PitchCom and Correa for that game changing pick off.

Would we even have PitchCom without Correa’s Astros in 2017?