Make It Official! Twins 4, Red Sox 2: Extra-Innings Struggle Ends in Minnesota's Favor

[Matt Braun]

Fortune is more favorable when the opponent isn't based in Ohio. 

Image courtesy of © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

 

Box Score
David Festa: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Home Runs: None
Top 3 WPA: Louie Varland (.465), Scott Blewett (.320), David Festa (.147)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

The Twins crawled out of Cleveland and into Boston with their dignity in the toilet; a demoralizing, inevitable lost series left them out of juice—any sort of good vibes—and freshly tied with the Detroit Tigers of all teams for the Wild Card. Spirits are low. Juju basically non-existent. The only solace they can find is in their opponent: an ordinary, tepid club mired in mediocrity and forgettable play—the perfect opponent for a team looking to gain some mojo. Would fortune turn out in their favor? We shall see.

David Festa earned the nod for Minnesota. The “Slim Reaper”—all limbs, no meat—had been sporadically effective in his rookie campaign, flashing some promise before some ignorant writer declared him a quality hurler, ushering in two dreadful starts. Whoops. 

And on Friday, he was… acceptable. Perhaps a little inefficient, but otherwise effective over five frames as he allowed just one earned run and struck out six. Even the best at-bats tended to overstay their welcome; Festa needed 103 pitches to net his 15 outs, walking three while spreading five hits across his innings. The lone run came when Trevor Story struck a single into right-center in the 4th. 

Boston’s starter—Dick Fitts, which is what President Eisenhower probably told reporters who inquired into how Richard Nixon worked in the context of his cabinet—toed a different line. He gave up his fair share of hits, but the Twins fell flat on their face at every turn. Two on in the 4th? Nothing. Another pair on the bases in the 5th? Zip. Every time Minnesota needed a hit, they could only find a glove; even a Willi Castro single in the 6th with a runner on 2nd couldn’t result in a run. So it goes. 

 

But a score did break through eventually. With runners on the corners in the 7th, Carlos Correa shot a grounder to Rafael Devers, who couldn’t quite transfer quick enough to turn two, allowing Byron Buxton to score the game-tying run. 

Then, time stood still. Or, maybe it accelerated. All anyone knows is that outs came and went, batters took their turn and walked back to the dugout, and all either team had to show for it was a tired bullpen and an unflinching run total. The 7th became the 8th, which became the 9th, which became the 10th. Maybe runners reached base, but they sure as hell didn't score; the game was still 1-1 heading into extra-innings. It would take Manfred Man shenanigans to decide the winner in this match.

At some point, the game morphed into high comedy. One may argue that it started that way. The ethos of chaos and nonsense became apparently clear to even the most ignorant fan when Manuel Margot, pinch-hitting for Christian Vázquez, struck out looking to push his pinch-hit 0-fer to 30. 30. That's 10 perfect innings. A pitcher throwing such a game would be revered for enjoying one of the finest games of all time. That's just how the 2024 Twins roll. 

The 12th proved to be the turning point. Trevor Larnach doinked a strange grounder beyond pitcher Cooper Criswell's grasp to plate the Manfred runner before Matt Wallner sharply singled into right to score an insurance run. Two runs! Who knew? Willi Castro added on with a sacrifice fly.

All silliness, tomfoolery, high jinks, lunacy, and otherwise non-sensical acts, self-inflicted or forced upon, ended when Griffin Jax entered the game. With business-like intensity, he coaxed two grounders—scoring a run—before striking out Story to end the game. Finally. 

Notes:

With their 81st win, the Twins secured their first back-to-back 162-game seasons with at least a .500 record since 2009-2010. 

Scott Blewett earned his first career major league win.

Caleb Thielbar appeared in his 343rd career game, good for 15th place in Twins pitching history. He is five games away from tying Bert Blyleven for 14th place.

Manuel Margot is now 0-30 (0-35 in plate appearances) as a pinch-hitter. 

Boston hitters struck out 20 times on Friday, a franchise record.

Minnesota's bullpen pitched seven innings, allowing five hits, four walks (three intentional), and no earned runs while striking out 14.

Post-Game Interview:

 

What’s Next?
The Twins and Red Sox play again on Saturday, with Pablo López facing off against Kutter Crawford. First pitch is at 3:10 PM. 

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

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[ashbury]

Fortune favors the lucky.

[SD happy]

BoSox was 1-19 RISP. Wonder what they are all saying on BoSox Daily!!

[Parfigliano]

Correa....52 runs  52 RBI  80 games

[Peter]

Bullpen was 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪as Cory said this was most important win of season!!! My nerves are 😬😬😬🔥🔥🔥but Huge huge huge gutty and gritty win!!! 💪💪💪💪💪💪1 back of KC 1 ahead of Detroit and 2 ahead of Seattle!!!! Let’s go Twins!!!

[BH67]

So...does a gritty, absurd 12th inning win in autumn at Fenway Park result in a winning streak as absurd as the losses of the games preceding it?

It has before, though we don't favorably mention its prime catalyst here.

The fight is there. Proud to see it.

[GNess]

Yes, the past six weeks or so have been disappointing. Tonight the Twins showed grit and toughness, which were a joy to watch as they kept competing.  Big W.

[JD-TWINS]

Big Win! Excruciating to watch!!

My oldest moved to Boston in June for her first career job and my youngest is visiting this weekend …….they’re texting me that they are loving rubbing the Twin’s win in the face of the people at table next to them…..,hope they’re careful!!! Sounds fun though.

What a bullpen performance - had no business being in this one with ONE run through 11 innings. Duran almost let it slip through our fingers. Ronny - Louie - Tonkin - Blewett - Sands & even Thielbar!!! Duran & Jax a couple more ho hum innings - wow!!

Nobody available from Pen on Saturday??? 8 guys threw and only Blewett was really well rested. Irvin threw 30 pitches yesterday. Sure hope Pablo is able to hang for a while on Saturday. Looks like rain in daytime so it might turn into an early evening game?

Gotta start scoring some runs!

………….

I’m typically a Rocco backer with a more pragmatic view of his moves - seldom 2nd guess. However, how in the hell is Margot pinch hitting instead of Julien v. RH reliever? Maybe they had a lefty up? Sure seemed odd to pinch hit Margot for Vazquez…….. understand Vazquez was tiring but Margot for his 30th pinch hit appearance - he’s gotta be lacking confidence in that spot - right?

[JD-TWINS]

9 minutes ago, Peter said:

Bullpen was 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪as Cory said this was most important win of season!!! My nerves are 😬😬😬🔥🔥🔥but Huge huge huge gutty and gritty win!!! 💪💪💪💪💪💪1 back of KC 1 ahead of Detroit and 2 ahead of Seattle!!!! Let’s go Twins!!!

Wanna go get the Royals spot!!! If we can advance in standings, next weekend v. Orioles could really get interesting……..,one at a time though, I guess.

[Otwins]

Look at the Bullpen usage chart.  Pablo needs to be very good tomorrow

[S Bart]

I was biting my nails the entire game! As you can see by the picture from my seat, the Red Sox fans were out in full force in historic Fenway Park. Although, it was great to see several people wearing Twins caps and shirts. The one thing that I want to point out is what a thrill it was to watch Buxton. He keenly watched the pitcher prior to stealing a base and then scored the first run a short time later by being aware of the location of the hit that brought him home. After he took off from second, I did not see him even look at Watkins when he rounded third. It was very noticeable that he was putting forth a good effort. I also want to give credit to young Festa and Jax.  There were missed opportunities and players left on base, but they pulled it out in the end. WHEW!!

Edited September 21, 2024 by S Bart
spelling

[S Bart]

I forgot to mention one thing. There is rain in the forecast for Boston on Saturday. It is possible that the game will be cancelled and perhaps there will be a doubleheader on Sunday. If so, the Twins would have days off on Saturday and Monday. 

[Brandon]

5 minutes ago, S Bart said:

I forgot to mention one thing. There is rain in the forecast for Boston on Saturday. It is possible that the game will be cancelled and perhaps there will be a doubleheader on Sunday. If so, the Twins would have days off on Saturday and Monday. 

And an extra pitcher for the double header too.

[knothole61]

And just like that the Twins are one game from the #2 wild card spot...one game! Granted, they have messed up mightily for a few weeks now but there's no denying that this endgame will be very exciting.

Another night of offensive offense but a ton of credit must go out to the bullpen-they were magnificent!

Some thoughts regarding the roster going forward: Lewis is an eager and undisciplined kid but I think he will mature and figure things out soon to become a productive middle of the order guy for several years to come. As for Lee, I have no clue what he might or might not become. Clearly he deserves a long look but he might end up in AAA hell with the likes of Julien and (sadly) Kirilloff. That brings me to Wallner: lock him up. Sign him for 6 lucrative years as soon as possible and do not try to save every penny you can on of his future contracts. He is one of the few Twins who take what I consider to be professional at bats most of the time. He looks good in the box and his swing is a thing of beauty, and what power! Dare I say, he even looks good striking out, as opposed to Lewis who does a solid impression of a town ball player when waving at distant third strikes!

Hey Thad, grapple Wallner and his 900+ OPS to the roster with hoops of steel, and do it now.   

 

[mikelink45]

One more evening and everyone in the bullpen could have been in the game together. Glad we won, but that's not good. 

[Althebum82]

Bullpen, schmullpen.  We still have Farmer, Wallner, and Castro available as inning-eaters, right?

[TheLeviathan]

Rocco'd again!  How is this guy losing with such a deep bullpen, veteran rotation, and an offensive juggernaut of a lineup?

Pathetic.

[Mark G]

Personally, I just enjoy the feeling that we are not the most inept kids on the block.  1-19 with RISP and 20 strikeouts can make any team look good in comparison.  Thank you Sox! 🫠

[CRF]

If the game doesn't get rained out today, they better hope Pablo throws a complete game. The pen is gassed. 

[Tiantwindup]

‘Dick Fitts, which is what President Eisenhower probably told reporters who inquired into how Richard Nixon worked in the context of his cabinet’

 

Brilliant, Matt!

[Riverbrian]

7 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

However, how in the hell is Margot pinch hitting instead of Julien v. RH reliever?

That was indeed a curious decision. Another consideration was why not Jeffers since Margot pinch hit for Vazquez. 

I'm not sure I understand either but perhaps this was a gut move.

Maybe... Just guessing... Maybe Rocco thinks that first hit has to come some time. Maybe he thinks that Margot can't possibly go 0 for the season. Maybe he thinks that Margot is so due that the due is leaking out of his shoes and makes a squishing sound when he walks. 

That's all I can come with. Because Margot was a surprise to me as well. 

[wavedog]

Glad to get a much needed victory - hopefully that will awaken the bats.   Somehow I feel this was more of Boston being more inept than we were.  Hard to go 2 extra innings without scoring a run and still win. Larnach got a lucky hit to help the rally but at least he put the ball in play and it wasn't a pop-up.   No comment on Margot pinch-hitting - unless Rocco is trying to go opposite of what should be done.  Margot had a lousy at-bat as well so it wasn't like there was some matchup favorability.   If that was his gut move we are better off if he sticks to the numbers.   

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, S Bart said:

I forgot to mention one thing. There is rain in the forecast for Boston on Saturday. It is possible that the game will be cancelled and perhaps there will be a doubleheader on Sunday. If so, the Twins would have days off on Saturday and Monday. 

This morning it looks pretty reasonable for baseball in Boston from 6:30 - midnight Eastern…….not sure how long they put off the game? Unless there’s a big shift it seems likely they get it in this evening. Some bullpen rest would/could be a big deal though!

[JD-TWINS]

29 minutes ago, wavedog said:

Glad to get a much needed victory - hopefully that will awaken the bats.   Somehow I feel this was more of Boston being more inept than we were.  Hard to go 2 extra innings without scoring a run and still win. Larnach got a lucky hit to help the rally but at least he put the ball in play and it wasn't a pop-up.   No comment on Margot pinch-hitting - unless Rocco is trying to go opposite of what should be done.  Margot had a lousy at-bat as well so it wasn't like there was some matchup favorability.   If that was his gut move we are better off if he sticks to the numbers.   

Didn’t get why Julien isn’t sent up, unless there was a lefty counter move from their Pen? Maybe Rocco decided to go full George Costanza and do “the opposite” of logical to shake things up? It looked like the worst possible match up. Watching the 4 & 5 hitters pop out to 3rd baseman in foul territory seemed like the last nail, in real time.

On a separate note………Is Miranda gassed? He needs to square something up in a bad way - really soon!

[jmlease1]

Man, the offense really needs to find itself. I mean, great that they pulled it out in the 12th, but how about scoring 6 before the late innings and giving the pitchers a nice lead to work with?

But right now you take a win however you can get it.

Festa did ok. He's got things to work on for sure, but you can definitely see him being a real guy in the rotation in the future. Hopefully he can keep improving and refining, but I think he's learning some important lessons right now.

[FanFromTheBalticSea]

Was there. Flew over from Germany. Happy to see a Twins win. But grew 20 years older looking at that offense for 12 Innings. Got a ball from the Twins bullpen. And the Red Sox fans used a lot of swearwords right around me. It reached a low, when a couple of guys told Wallner he can go f*** himself. Not classy. 

[Blyleven2011]

8 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Big Win! Excruciating to watch!!

My oldest moved to Boston in June for her first career job and my youngest is visiting this weekend …….they’re texting me that they are loving rubbing the Twin’s win in the face of the people at table next to them…..,hope they’re careful!!! Sounds fun though.

What a bullpen performance - had no business being in this one with ONE run through 11 innings. Duran almost let it slip through our fingers. Ronny - Louie - Tonkin - Blewett - Sands & even Thielbar!!! Duran & Jax a couple more ho hum innings - wow!!

Nobody available from Pen on Saturday??? 8 guys threw and only Blewett was really well rested. Irvin threw 30 pitches yesterday. Sure hope Pablo is able to hang for a while on Saturday. Looks like rain in daytime so it might turn into an early evening game?

Gotta start scoring some runs!

………….

I’m typically a Rocco backer with a more pragmatic view of his moves - seldom 2nd guess. However, how in the hell is Margot pinch hitting instead of Julien v. RH reliever? Maybe they had a lefty up? Sure seemed odd to pinch hit Margot for Vazquez…….. understand Vazquez was tiring but Margot for his 30th pinch hit appearance - he’s gotta be lacking confidence in that spot - right?

Margots the best we got , don't you know ....

Rocco  must think so ...

Margot will never be forgotten and he just might go in the twins HOF  , the FO seems to like players that break records ...

[JD-TWINS]

Duran barely escaped……. numerous great Pen performances………how about Louie Varland getting 4 outs - throwing gas! Huge play on tapper & flip to the plate - huge!!

[Blyleven2011]

6 hours ago, Mark G said:

Personally, I just enjoy the feeling that we are not the most inept kids on the block.  1-19 with RISP and 20 strikeouts can make any team look good in comparison.  Thank you Sox! 🫠

You beat me too it ,  amazing our pitchers came through  at shutting down  Boston's line up  in the opening series ... 

We have life again  or a 1 game lead in wild card  , some will say 2 because of the tie breaker ..

We really had no reason to win this game but Boston didn't either  ...

[MMMordabito]

After this season is over, somewhere from game 162 to game 165, all the Twins will have to show for it is having the worst pinch-hitter of all time.