Dodgers 4, Twins 3: Checking Out

[Sherry Cerny]

Box Score
Starting Pitcher: Chris Paddack - 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K (78 pitches, 56 strikes (71%))
Home Runs:  Royce Lewis (5)
Bottom 3 WPA: Griffin Jax -.803; Willi Castro -.178; Louis Varland -.106
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Chris Paddack had struggled over his last six starts, with high pitch counts and a failure to string together zeroes, but today he had a chance to help the team end a bad road trip on a good note. A PitchCom issue started Paddack’s day with a violation, but he got out Mookie Betts. Paddack served up a hittable 0-2 pitch to Shohei Ohtani, though, and Ohtani swatted a solo home run, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. 

The Twins answered fairly quickly, with a homer from Royce Lewis tying the score—his third long ball in four short games. Lewis has been fighting back from injury and a very visible slump, but in the month of July, he has a batting average of .273 and has been making more contact as the month goes on.

Paddack had a much better showdown against the Dodgers as the innings went on, even striking out Ohtani in his second and third at-bats. With the trade deadline looming, many fans want to see Paddack traded. The only problem with that is the continued pain of injuries that continue to plague the rotation. (To wit: David Festa landed on the injured list earlier Wednesday.) After his frustrating appearance after the All-Star break, this game was what the fans and the Sheriff needed, with his velocity trending up and a little more control from the release. 

Through six, Paddack only threw 78 pitches, with no walks and eight strikeouts. He managed the game much better after that first inning. Paddack gave the offense the much-needed chance to get ahead on the board. 

Tyler Glasnow was able to manage the game just as well from his side, though. Even though the Twins were able to run up the pitch count to 79 by the beginning of inning six, Glasnow kept everyone chasing. Lewis was the only one who seemed able to figure him out; a big strike zone did not help matters.

Unfortunately, after Lewis's double, Byron Buxton struck out to extinguish the rally. Buxton has been chasing the ball a little more the past two games down and away, after taking Ohtani yard on Monday, definitely an adjustment from his first few games back.

Danny Columbe came out to replace Paddack and struggled, starting with a double to Freddie Freeman and walking two with no outs, giving the Dodgers a golden opportunity to put more runs on the board. Twins pitching coach Pete Maki came out to give Coulombe a breather with Will Smith coming to the plate. Smith was out on a flyball to Buxton, but after just 16 pitches and one out, Rocco Baldelli pulled Coulumbe and replaced him with Louis Varland, who has been on the mound three days in a row. While many don’t like Paddack, there was an argument for him coming out to start the seventh inning. Alas.

The Dodgers took the lead 2-1, on a Tommy Edman single, scoring Freddie Freeman, and still only had one out. But the Twins stopped the bleeding there. Only one run scored, leaving the Twins able to (hopefully) answer again. 

The eighth inning started a fun Twins rally. Pitcher Kirby Yates walked Lewis, who was replaced by DeShawn Keirsey Jr. The pinch-runner promptly stole second, and walks of Brooks Lee and Buxton loaded the bases. Willi Castro hit a chopper ending in a double play from Betts, to Miguel Rojas to Freeman, but it scored Keirsey, tying the game 2-2. 

Harrison Bader came in to replace Trevor Larnach and put the ball in play on the third pitch, bouncing over the head of the pitcher, to Rojas again—who missed the play, allowing Bader to reach and Lee to score and giving the Twins a 3-2 advantage.

Brock Stewart relieved Varland, but the bottom of the eighth inning seemed to drag. With two on two out, Smith was intentionally walked to load the bases. It worked perfectly. Rojas hit a pop-out to first. Crisis averted.

Ugh. Make that crisis delayed. Griffin Jax struggled in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jax got the first out, easy peasy, and it looked like it was going to be a good inning. But a missed check-swing strike call, an infield single from Betts, and two walks loaded the bases with two outs. Freeman hit a sinking liner to left field, and despite Bader's best efforts, the ball found grass. That gave the Dodgers a walk-off win and the series win against the Twins. 

It sucked.

What’s Next? 
The Twins get a day off on Thursday, as they fly home to play the Nationals and the Red Sox. The Nationals continue to struggle, and the Red Sox are doing their best to continue the streak they are on in the month of July.  Zebby Matthews (1-2; 6.26 ERA) will be taking the mound against MacKenzie Gore (4-9; 3.59 ERA) at 7:10 PM CT. 

Postgame Interviews

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

View full article

[thelanges5]

I’m such a fool. They continue to suck me in chew me up and spit me out.
 

Trade the free agents. Extend Bader if they can. I don’t really trust the front office to make any big trades at this point.  

[Peter]

Crushing heartbreaking devastating loss!!! Umpires took this game away from twins/betts went around he was out!!! ABS can’t get here soon enough!

[Parfigliano]

6 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

I’m such a fool. They continue to suck me in chew me up and spit me out.
 

Trade the free agents. Extend Bader if they can. I don’t really trust the front office to make any big trades at this point.  

I don't trust them to order lunch.

[jkcarew]

Tough loss.

Having said that…now I know why the Dodgers have been struggling lately and were completely dismantled by a good club (Brewers) for 6 or 7 consecutive games. That is not a very good team right now. 

[jkcarew]

10 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

I don’t really trust the front office to make any big trades at this point.

That’s the frustrating part. They really should be selling aggressively…but do you want short-timers (presumably) making those deals? Sigh.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

Tough loss.

Having said that…now I know why the Dodgers have been struggling lately and were completely dismantled by a good club (Brewers) for 6 or 7 consecutive games. That is not a very good team right now. 

So many pitcher injuries. Everyone should be happy with Paddock. I'm done typing about the FO and Baldelli, that horse is dust. 

[USAFChief]

5 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

now I know why the Dodgers have been struggling lately and were completely dismantled by a good club (Brewers) for 6 or 7 consecutive games. That is not a very good team right now. 

Still a pretty tough lineup. But that bullpen is putrid and any team playing Mookie Betts at SS ain't very good defensively. 

 

[USAFChief]

As for today's game, might have been nice to have your closer available. 

Too bad he was needed for 2 innings yesterday to close down that 1 run win. 

Eh Rocco?

[Whitey333]

I notice that you never mention the missed balls and strikes that benefit the Twins.  Losers lament:  if you can't win it must be someone else's fault like the umpires.  I noticed your article never questioned or even mention that Baldelli walked Ohtani with first base already occupied.  Sure you didn't want to face him but it's not generally accepted as a managerial strategy to intentionally walk a batter and not only move tge the tying run into scoring position but giving the potential winning run on first with an intentional walk.  It's crazy how some people blame other things for the Twins poor play and results.  It's simple.  The Twins had a great chance to win two of three against a struggling dodger team.  Instead they lost two of three and keep looking for excuses when many times they need to just look in the mirror.

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I notice that you never mention the missed balls and strikes that benefit the Twins.  Losers lament:  if you can't win it must be someone else's fault like the umpires.  I noticed your article never questioned or even mention that Baldelli walked Ohtani with first base already occupied.  Sure you didn't want to face him but it's not generally accepted as a managerial strategy to intentionally walk a batter and not only move tge the tying run into scoring position but giving the potential winning run on first with an intentional walk.  It's crazy how some people blame other things for the Twins poor play and results.  It's simple.  The Twins had a great chance to win two of three against a struggling dodger team.  Instead they lost two of three and keep looking for excuses when many times they need to just look in the mirror.

I agree with a lot of this! But I'm not sure articles here reflect how the Twins feel. I have no idea if they are looking in the mirror. I sure hope they are. 

[h2oface]

The clip of Baldelli's presser I caught may have been abbreviated, but no one asked him about pulling Paddack with a low 78 pitches (when a recently returned from the IL - April 28 to July 9 with right shoulder inflammation - Glasnow, with just 2 previous starts in July goes 106) and pitching the best he has all year.  He could have easily started the 7th, instead of the tired pen. Baldelli didn't offer anything, either. Any link to a more complete presser would be appreciated. 

I already said my piece in the game thread. Rage is dissipating, but I can still feel Jax choking.

[IndyTwinsFan]

26 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I notice that you never mention the missed balls and strikes that benefit the Twins.  Losers lament:  if you can't win it must be someone else's fault like the umpires.  I noticed your article never questioned or even mention that Baldelli walked Ohtani with first base already occupied.  Sure you didn't want to face him but it's not generally accepted as a managerial strategy to intentionally walk a batter and not only move tge the tying run into scoring position but giving the potential winning run on first with an intentional walk.  It's crazy how some people blame other things for the Twins poor play and results.  It's simple.  The Twins had a great chance to win two of three against a struggling dodger team.  Instead they lost two of three and keep looking for excuses when many times they need to just look in the mirror.

You hit the nail squarely on the head with that comment.  Well done!

[Aggies7]

32 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I notice that you never mention the missed balls and strikes that benefit the Twins.  Losers lament:  if you can't win it must be someone else's fault like the umpires.  I noticed your article never questioned or even mention that Baldelli walked Ohtani with first base already occupied.  Sure you didn't want to face him but it's not generally accepted as a managerial strategy to intentionally walk a batter and not only move tge the tying run into scoring position but giving the potential winning run on first with an intentional walk.  It's crazy how some people blame other things for the Twins poor play and results.  It's simple.  The Twins had a great chance to win two of three against a struggling dodger team.  Instead they lost two of three and keep looking for excuses when many times they need to just look in the mirror.

As a Rocco non-fan, I agreed 1,000% with the move to walk Ohtani to face Esteury Ruiz, the man on his 4th team in as many years, with 16 at bats this season and a career OPS of .642. Two outs and two bases open, you make that move 1,000 times out of 1,000. Not even a debate in my mind.

It’s not like Jax is one of the lower end relievers. He’s always mentioned in the same breath as Duran, and many have wanted him as closer at various times. Throw some damn strikes to a guy only batting because he pinch ran. 

[Doctor Gast]

Twins could have swept LAD if things worked out differently. Twins stole some bases that could have made the difference, at least kept us in the game.

[h2oface]

31 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

I notice that you never mention the missed balls and strikes that benefit the Twins.  Losers lament:  if you can't win it must be someone else's fault like the umpires.  I noticed your article never questioned or even mention that Baldelli walked Ohtani with first base already occupied.  Sure you didn't want to face him but it's not generally accepted as a managerial strategy to intentionally walk a batter and not only move tge the tying run into scoring position but giving the potential winning run on first with an intentional walk.  It's crazy how some people blame other things for the Twins poor play and results.  It's simple.  The Twins had a great chance to win two of three against a struggling dodger team.  Instead they lost two of three and keep looking for excuses when many times they need to just look in the mirror.

ALL missed calls are horrid. Even if they benefit the favored team. It changes every game. ALL MISSED CALLS. 

Ohtani is not "any" batter. He is the most feared hitter in the game right now. There are always exceptions, according to the game being played. Performance definitely wins games, but umpires and bad calls lose or win way too many. It even outs? hmmmm. Just more incorrect calls. More wrongs make it right?

[Blyleven2011]

If I was a smart fan I would of checked out along time ago , but I  just have a passion for baseball , win or lose ...

Besides I love laughing and boy  do I laugh when the front office or Rocco pull some great shenanigans  ....

It was a deflating loss , I was clinging on for a win but it was an expected loss as the twins rarely win 1 run games  , they gave it there all but there all just wasn't good enough , bullpen could have been over used over the series , some shabby defense , lots of walks ( both sides )  , pick your poison ...

HEY , it's okay if your poison is the manager too , you know by now I just can never resist a jab at our unorthodox manager ...

[Blyleven2011]

59 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

I don't trust them to order lunch.

That's a great jab at the FO  , mind if I use it ???

[Dman]

Does this mean I have to take back all my mean comments about Paddack?  He pitched great today against a really good lineup.  I thought he was going to get shelled, but other than the Ohtani mistake ball he was fantastic.  Where has this guy been the last 3 or 4 times out?  The Twins certainly had them on the ropes.  If Jax simply executes and throw's strikes to the guy that can't hit they probably win this one.

A tough loss, but It was a fun series as we were in it every game.  Washington at home with our Ace on tap so they should win that series.

[bjorks]

It’s been almost two hours and it still feels like I got a Jack Dempsey, square-toed kick to the sack. 
I like Rocco and IMHO I justified every move he made from pitching to base running to hitting. Sometime you just get beat. hindsight is 50/50 and this team has a player who did just that! 

im encouraged because we competed HARD and lost to a team with ZERO limitations. 

Also seems as the Sheriff pitched himself to a team, like the Dodgers. And I’m OK with that. 

[Aggies7]

4 minutes ago, bjorks said:

It’s been almost two hours and it still feels like I got a Jack Dempsey, square-toed kick to the sack. 
I like Rocco and IMHO I justified every move he made from pitching to base running to hitting. Sometime you just get beat. hindsight is 50/50 and this team has a player who did just that! 
 

im encouraged because we competed HARD and lost to a team with ZERO limitations. 

To be fair, the dodgers played comparatively poorly in this series and won 2/3. The Twins played their normal game. I didn’t see a whole lot to be encouraged about.

[The Great Hambino]

26 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

As a Rocco non-fan, I agreed 1,000% with the move to walk Ohtani to face Esteury Ruiz, the man on his 4th team in as many years, with 16 at bats this season and a career OPS of .642. Two outs and two bases open, you make that move 1,000 times out of 1,000. Not even a debate in my mind.

It’s not like Jax is one of the lower end relievers. He’s always mentioned in the same breath as Duran, and many have wanted him as closer at various times. Throw some damn strikes to a guy only batting because he pinch ran. 

Yeah, Ruiz is an important part of this equation.  I doubt it happens if that's still Teoscar Hernandez coming up

[DocBauer]

I watched the end of the game and turned away. 

I was so disgusted when I saw an UGLY obvious strike 3 call from the umps on Betts I left. The video shows him a good foot or foot and a half beyond the plate. I mean, it's so obvious anyone with decent eyesight and integrity would have called it a strike. 

Just ridiculous!

[Aggies7]

5 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Yeah, Ruiz is an important part of this equation.  I doubt it happens if that's still Teoscar Hernandez coming up

Honestly is still might. Just like it’s usually accepted practice to not put the winning run on, it’s also accepted practice to not let the other team’s best player, if not the game’s best player, beat you. This board would have gone ballistic if ohtani hit one into the seats to end it 

[D.C Twins]

Key Takeaways From Series:

1. Paddack showed well to hopefully gain last minute trade intrerest

2. Duran and Jax showed poorly to stimulate trade interest/return

SELL BABY SELL!

[D.C Twins]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

As for today's game, might have been nice to have your closer available. 

Too bad he was needed for 2 innings yesterday to close down that 1 run win. 

Eh Rocco?

Bingo!

[D.C Twins]

18 minutes ago, Dman said:

Does this mean I have to take back all my mean comments about Paddack?  He pitched great today against a really good lineup.  I thought he was going to get shelled, but other than the Ohtani mistake ball he was fantastic.  Where has this guy been the last 3 or 4 times out?  The Twins certainly had them on the ropes.  If Jax simply executes and throw's strikes to the guy that can't hit they probably win this one.

A tough loss, but It was a fun series as we were in it every game.  Washington at home with our Ace on tap so they should win that series.

um... Colorado ring a bell?

[D.C Twins]

30 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Twins could have swept LAD if things worked out differently. Twins stole some bases that could have made the difference, at least kept us in the game.

I see that you are in the bargaining stage of grief.... I am at the acceptance phase and here to welcome you when you are ready :)

[lukeduke1980]

The walk to the Ruiz character was the deciding factor.  Essentially 4 of 5 pitches bounced to the plate.  Willi Castro too, 1st pitch gidp after 3 straight walks, albeit a new pitcher.  

I say trade away the spare parts.

[Road trip]

Check swing calls are very tough.  I'm all in on robo-umps, but I won't blame the umps for that one.  It's an almost impossible call to get right with any consistency.

I'm hard on Balldelli too, but I'd walk Ohtani every time with Ruiz up next.  Can't walk Ruiz...

Not sure what to think about Jax.  Bad luck finds him. His stuff is great, but there are too many night like this one.  Far more blown saves than Duran.  I know many on this board prefer Jax, but if the Twins are gonna trade one of the stud relievers I know which one I am moving on...