Mets 3, Twins 2: A Fun Night, a Tough Loss

[Sherry Cerny]

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Box Score
Starting Pitcher: Connor Priellep - 4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K (82 pitches, 52 strikes (62% strikes))
Home Runs: Byron Buxton (5)
Top 3 WPA: Kendry Rojas (.12); Eric Orze (.09); Austin Martin (.05)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

 

A New Set of Twins
Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas gave Twins fans a little something extra to savor Wednesday night—a dual debut against the Mets, and a tantalizing taste of each player's upside. Prielipp, the 48th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Alabama, has long been a high-upside arm the Twins were willing to bet on, even through injuries. After Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a UCL procedure in 2023, his return in 2024 and strong 2025 campaign between Wichita and St. Paul proved the patience was worth it, ultimately earning him a spot on the 40-man roster and his big league call-up.

His first inning was no gentle introduction. Bo Bichette wasted no time, sneaking in a double to get things going, and while Prielipp settled in to grab two quick outs, Francisco Lindor singled Bichette home to put the Mets on the board first.

From there, Prielipp found his groove. He worked four innings, allowing just two runs, issuing no walks, and punching out six. His stuff was lively, and he gave the team a chance to win. For a starter making their debut on the road, that's all you can ask.

Rojas took over in the fifth, and proved less impressive but more successful. The Cuban native, originally signed by the Blue Jays in 2020 and acquired by Minnesota in a trade alongside Alan Roden, has battled his own injury setbacks, but his fastball averaged 97 MPH and touched 98.4.

After two quick outs, things got wobbly for Rojas. He walked Mark Vientos, and on a 3-2 count, he hung a pitch that Marcus Semien bashed into the left-field corner. With the full count and two outs, Vientos was running, but he didn't get a very good jump; he's very slow; and Trevor Larnach played the ball smoothly with the bare hand on a nice carom off the wall. Larnach's throw to Brooks Lee left plenty of time for an accurate peg by Lee to Victor Caratini, and Vientos was out by a mile. It was good to see the Twins defense execute the fundamentals, and the rookie escaped his first frame in the majors unscathed—but the play also laid bare some of what's wrong in New York right now. Be it hustle or sheer athleticism, there has to be more of something in Vientos there; that should at least have been a more difficult play for the visitors.

Minnesota Keeps Swinging - And Leaving Guys on Base
The Twins’ bats looked a little shaky through the first two innings as they worked to chase down the Mets’ early lead, but Trevor Larnach sparked some life by getting on base and moving station to station while Minnesota’s lineup began chipping away at New York’s pitching. That pressure paid off when Victor Caratini lifted a sacrifice fly to bring Larnach home and knot things up at 1-1. 

In the sixth, the Twins finally struck again. They'd fallen behind 2-1, but Byron Buxton hit a long, game-tying homer to left-center off Mets starter Clay Holmes. Buxton is heating up nicely after his ice-cold start, with five homers in the last week and a half.

The Twins made a huge push in the eighth inning against Mets reliever Brooks Raley. Austin Martin came in for Larnach and walked; Josh Bell singled to push the go-ahead run into scoring position. While the Mets were forced into another relief pitcher change, the Twins also made another replacement. With two outs, Ryan Jeffers pinch-hit for Kody Clemens in an attempt to bring at least one of the guys home. Luke Weaver walked Jeffers, loading the bases for Luke Keaschall, but the Luke-on-Luke matchup favored the same-handed, same-named pitcher, who induced a foul popout that thwarted the rally.

Twins Pitching Versus … Everyone
Taylor Rogers came in to face a left-leaning pocket of the Mets lineup in the bottom of the eighth, but chaos took control of the inning, rather than Rogers or anyone else. Juan Soto led off with a single just past a diving Keaschall. With one out, however, the Twins picked him off, clearing the bases and seeming to pave the way to the end of the frame. Alas, Rogers walked young lefty batter Brett Baty, so Derek Shelton turned to Justin Topa to face Francisco Alvarez. Topa walked Alvarez, too, though, bringing Vientos to bat with the go-ahead run at second.

Topa gave Vientos the revenge he probably wanted with a sinker that ran in on him and produced a weak fly ball to right. Unfortunately, Matt Wallner came nowhere near making a play on a ball that seemed catchable. With two outs, Baty had been going all the way; there was no play at the plate this time: 3-2 New York. 

The damage could have been much worse, though. Semien lined a ball to center that looked like it could get down to score another run, but Buxton made a tremendous, flying, diving catch on the run to take away the hit and RBI.

The Twins offense had one more chance to come back and tie things up, but the Mets finally got their demons under control and Luke Weaver shut the door with ease.

What’s Next?
The Twins finish out the series against the Mets Thursday evening, before taking off for Tampa. They'll send Joe Ryan to the mound (2-2, 3.29 ERA), facing Christian Scott, a former top prospect pitching in the majors for the first time since Tommy John surgery ended his 2024 season. First pitch is, once again, at 6:10 PM CT.

Postgame Interviews 

Coming soon.

Bullpen Availability Chart 

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	TOT
Sands	20	12	0	0	23	0	55
Morris	0	0	47	0	0	0	47
Acton	0	0	29	0	0	0	29
Banda	0	0	0	0	18	0	18
Orze	0	15	0	0	0	11	26
Rogers	0	0	8	0	0	12	20
Topa	11	10	0	0	17	17	55
Rojas	0	0	0	0	0	35	35

 

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[Rosterman]

Wondering about the decision to throw three different lefties into a game. especially back-to-back to start the game. Rojas goes back to St. Paul to work on challenging hitters. Conrad did okay on the biggest stage in baseball. Can't wait for his next start.

Quote

 

 

[tony&rodney]

Twins batters need a better approach tomorrow. 

 

[Peter]

Crushing Loss!!! Hate losing games like this!!! Seriously no more one run losses!!! Can we finally part ways with Wallner!!!! Wasted effort for Conner-twins need to win tomorrow and finish road trip with winning record!!!

[Parfigliano]

17 minutes ago, Peter said:

Crushing Loss!!! Hate losing games like this!!! Seriously no more one run losses!!! Can we finally part ways with Wallner!!!! Wasted effort for Conner-twins need to win tomorrow and finish road trip with winning record!!!

Next series.  Road trip.

Tampa.   Go see Salvador Dali Museum.  

[bean5302]

Quote

Topa gave Vientos the revenge he probably wanted with a sinker that ran in on him and produced a weak fly ball to right. Unfortunately, Matt Wallner came nowhere near making a play on a ball that seemed catchable. With two outs, Baty had been going all the way; there was no play at the plate this time: 3-2 New York. 

.750 expected batting average on that ball. I don't see Byron Buxton making a play on that if Buxton was in RF, but Savant will update with the expected catch percentage tomorrow. Then again, low hanging fruit. Wallner is going to take heat on any and every play he doesn't make at this point. Upper deck home run? Do you even jump, bruh? lol

[USAFChief]

I dont think any RFer catches that ball. That entire inning is on Rogers and Topa. 

Twins have a bad bullpen. Film at 11!

On the other hand, Wallner continues to completely suck at the plate.

 

The two young lefties have big league stuff. But IMO neither are ready for the big leagues. Rojas especially can't consistently command anything.

Edited 12 hours ago by USAFChief

[Parfigliano]

18 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

.750 expected batting average on that ball. I don't see Byron Buxton making a play on that if Buxton was in RF, but Savant will update with the expected catch percentage tomorrow. Then again, low hanging fruit. Wallner is going to take heat on any and every play he doesn't make at this point. Upper deck home run? Do you even jump, bruh? lol

Maybe catches that ball. 

Computers.  Savant and what every are NOT in the situations have never even attempted to catch, throw, hit a ball in their entire MF life.

[David HK]

Welp, we let the Mets off the hook with our 💩ty BP again... Marginally better defense for one day, but the usual cold sticks flailing at the plate.  But wow, I'm gonna have to watch the replay on mlbtv, and see those two young hurlers! Sounds like they did well!  How cheeky of Sheldon to use em back to back?!?

The one and only thing to do after letting the other team get off the deck: kick the ever-lovin crap out of them tomorrow. 

[jaimedude]

Wallner still has minor league options. 

[Jacksson]

Keaschall was the real Choke Artist today.  Top of the 6th, 1 run in, runners at 2nd & 3rd, 2 outs and Keaschall pops out to 2B on a hanging slider up and in ON THE FIRST PITCH. Then, top of the 8th, bases loaded (1 walk, 1 single, another walk), 2 outs and Keaschall, with a chance to plate 2 runs, pops out to the Catcher in foul territory on a 4 seam fastball up and out of the strike zone.  There was also the play in the field he couldn't come up with as well.

Seven Twins Strikeouts on the day = Buxton - 2, Lee - 3.  Sure seems as though Buxton is striking out a lot these days: either he has fallen in love with hitting the long ball or since the offense is struggling so badly, he's trying to provide all the team's offense.

Such is the life of a relief pitcher, yesterday goes well and today, Topa blows the game.  Rogers has to get 1 out in the bottom of the 8th.  Bases empty, tie score.  He walks the batter.  Shelton yanks him and turns the inning over to Topa who just needs to get 1 out.  He walks the first batter he faces, then gives up a single to put the Mets ahead 3 - 2.  The damage done, Topa escapes further damage due to a diving catch in CF by Buxton.

As stellar as that play was in CF, the defensive play of the outfield corners is just an embarrassment.  Not only do they get poor jumps on balls in play, but they "run" like trucks.  How could these guys, offensively and defensively made it to MLB??  

But wait, the Twins have a chance to tie the game up again in the top of the 9th.  They send Wallner, Lewis and Buxton up to bat and ALL 3 STRIKEOUT.  Game Over.

Have to mention that both Clemens and Wallner, having gotten a hit a piece, are streaking towards raising their batting averages to the Mendoza line: While both lewis and Lee are streaking to LOWER their averages to the Mendoza line.

What are the Hitting Coach and the TWO Assistant Hitting Coaches doing to earn their salaries?  What is Hawkins doing that justifies him being anointed the bullpen savior? 

 

 

[Blyleven2011]

Conner Prielipp had good results , 6 strikeouts , his pitches were working , but curve and change up need some more work on consistency .. 

Rojas was effectively wild ...

Good debuts for them both ...

Those of you that didn't see the dugout camera after Buxton's tying homerun , wallner was looking at the ground , no smile , not showing any enjoyment , the rest of the team was jumping for joy as buxton tied up the score  ...

Wallner just continues to be a head case that really isn't helping the team , 

[Parfigliano]

3 minutes ago, Jacksson said:

Keaschall was the real Choke Artist today.  Top of the 6th, 1 run in, runners at 2nd & 3rd, 2 outs and Keaschall pops out to 2B on a hanging slider up and in ON THE FIRST PITCH. Then, top of the 8th, bases loaded (1 walk, 1 single, another walk), 2 outs and Keaschall, with a chance to plate 2 runs, pops out to the Catcher in foul territory on a 4 seam fastball up and out of the strike zone.  There was also the play in the field he couldn't come up with as well.

Seven Twins Strikeouts on the day = Buxton - 2, Lee - 3.  Sure seems as though Buxton is striking out a lot these days: either he has fallen in love with hitting the long ball or since the offense is struggling so badly, he's trying to provide all the team's offense.

Such is the life of a relief pitcher, yesterday goes well and today, Topa blows the game.  Rogers has to get 1 out in the bottom of the 8th.  Bases empty, tie score.  He walks the batter.  Shelton yanks him and turns the inning over to Topa who just needs to get 1 out.  He walks the first batter he faces, then gives up a single to put the Mets ahead 3 - 2.  The damage done, Topa escapes further damage due to a diving catch in CF by Buxton.

As stellar as that play was in CF, the defensive play of the outfield corners is just an embarrassment.  Not only do they get poor jumps on balls in play, but they "run" like trucks.  How could these guys, offensively and defensively made it to MLB??  

But wait, the Twins have a chance to tie the game up again in the top of the 9th.  They send Wallner, Lewis and Buxton up to bat and ALL 3 STRIKEOUT.  Game Over.

Have to mention that both Clemens and Wallner, having gotten a hit a piece, are streaking towards raising their batting averages to the Mendoza line: While both lewis and Lee are streaking to LOWER their averages to the Mendoza line.

What are the Hitting Coach and the TWO Assistant Hitting Coaches doing to earn their salaries?  What is Hawkins doing that justifies him being anointed the bullpen savior? 

 

 

Absolutely.  In a sport where they hardest thing is to hit a ball and get a hit.

He didn't. 

Guys that do it 1 out of 3 are considered. Freaks.  

Guys that hit .270 with DBs.  Wow.

Over the fence write your check cause you getting paid.

[Western SD Fan]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

I dont think any RFer catches that ball. That entire inning is on Rogers and Topa. 

Twins have a bad bullpen. Film at 11!

On the other hand, Wallner continues to completely suck at the plate.

 

The two young lefties have big league stuff. But IMO neither are ready for the big leagues. Rojas especially can't consistently command anything.

I would also like to see the expected batting average on the play that Lewis attempted to make at 3rd but ended up giving up the infield single and RBI.  I just don't see how that play is made by an average 3rd baseman either.  There are definitely instances to attack Wallner's defense.  The play in Toronto where he nearly turned himself into a pretzel watching a ball go over his head is a great example.  From a larger standpoint, it could be argued that Wallner is taking his batting woes out into the field and likely needs a tune up in St. Paul.  Even with that, I don't think Wallner could have caught the ball and is taught to keep the ball in front of you to limit damage.

Now to the positives.  Prielipp gave us exactly what we needed: 4-6 innings and kept us in the game.  Rojas did alright for his debut although a WHIP of 2.5 is unsustainable.  Orze, like Banda's appearance last night, must be dabbling in witchcraft to finally get through a clean inning.  Speaking of witchcraft, whatever Orze and Banda are up to was leaked onto the bats, as other than Buxton, they are performing a disappearing act in the strikezone.

[Parfigliano]

Prielipp positive

[Whitey333]

Lewis continues to struggle offensively and defensively.  Wallner is getting unwatchable.  He can't hit.  

[DJL44]

I don’t remember the last time the Twins had this many lefties.

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, Western SD Fan said:

I would also like to see the expected batting average on the play that Lewis attempted to make at 3rd but ended up giving up the infield single and RBI.  I just don't see how that play is made by an average 3rd baseman either.  There are definitely instances to attack Wallner's defense.  The play in Toronto where he nearly turned himself into a pretzel watching a ball go over his head is a great example.  From a larger standpoint, it could be argued that Wallner is taking his batting woes out into the field and likely needs a tune up in St. Paul.  Even with that, I don't think Wallner could have caught the ball and is taught to keep the ball in front of you to limit damage.

Now to the positives.  Prielipp gave us exactly what we needed: 4-6 innings and kept us in the game.  Rojas did alright for his debut although a WHIP of 2.5 is unsustainable.  Orze, like Banda's appearance last night, must be dabbling in witchcraft to finally get through a clean inning.  Speaking of witchcraft, whatever Orze and Banda are up to was leaked onto the bats, as other than Buxton, they are performing a disappearing act in the strikezone.

You might be right that Wallner would not have caught that ball and, yes, you are taught to keep that ball in front of you.  But it's not like Miguel Sano was playing RF.  As soon as that ball landed it was very obvious that it wasn't going anywhere.  As an experienced big league right fielder you gotta read that and have a sense about it.  This is the same guy that earlier in the year we saw not only misplay a ball but actually KICK one.  It might well be  true that Wallner would not have caught that ball.  BUT, there is a very distinct possibility that someone else might or would have and maybe it's time for someone else to get that shot.

[karcherd]

A tough loss again, but it is going to be hard to get consistency from the bullpen.  And we gave them no margin for error by missing opportunities on offense.

A few thoughts on the young guys that everyone is down.  

Royce Lewis is just at 1,000 AB's right now, so per TK's motto, he needs to start figuring it out.  We need to give him this year and see if he is a part of the future.  He has just over 200 games at 3B, let's see if he can improve his fielding.  Not everyone comes up a finished product.  He was looking like his swing was getting better before he went on the IL, let's see if he can get back to that point.

Keaschall doesn't even have 300 AB's. play him and develop him.  Help him improve his defense at 2B, but leave him there or put him at another position but don't move him around.

I don't know what to say about Wallner.  He is just under 1,000 AB's and needs to figure it out.  I think they have to make a decision either ride with him or bring ERod or Roden up when healthy to replace him.  But if he is sent to St. Paul at this point you basically have to write him off.  He is not a young prospect anymore, make a decision either he is part of the core or he is not.  I still think there is something there but they need more talent to produce.  

They need to play Brooks or bring up Culpepper.  I am disappointed because I thought Lee would have more success but he does not appear to be the long term answer but it hasn't even been a full season for him at short.  I understand the doubt of whether he will actually figure it out.

But there are no options.  This team is not going to contend as currently constructed.  Giving regular playing time to players like Gray, Clemens, Kreidler is not going to be the answer and will not result in any additional wins that will turn us into a contender.  They need to figure out who is the core of the team and if this coaching staff can develop them, so we have glimmers of hope for the future.  But I don't want to see any more of these AAAA or 30 somethings with nothing to add being run out there.  That is boring baseball and gives us no hope.

 

[Old Twins Hat]

8 hours ago, USAFChief said:

I dont think any RFer catches that ball. That entire inning is on Rogers and Topa. 

Twins have a bad bullpen. Film at 11!

On the other hand, Wallner continues to completely suck at the plate.

 

The two young lefties have big league stuff. But IMO neither are ready for the big leagues. Rojas especially can't consistently command anything.

Maybe no one catches it, but there is such a thing as going all out in the bottom of the 8th to make a play, even a short hop into a throwing motion and a rifle to the plate. 

Hey, it's make a play or take a loss for the whole team.  I want to see a do-or-die effort at least.

[Old Twins Hat]

Lewis looked awful last night, on offense and defense.

But, what really chaps my ass is that he gets a bloop hit and he's all smiles and jokes and doing fancy hand-slapping at first base with the coach to the extent that there is no way for him to even think about stealing 2nd base on the first two pitches.

Then on the Buxton homer, you see him in the dugout hugging and jumping up and down.  It's the 6th tinning!  And he has two more strikeouts yet to come, and some more lousy defense to play.

What is he so over-joyed about?  

Can't Sheltie tell him to keep a lid on until we at least win the game?

[Vanimal46]

An exciting debut for Priellipp. I hope he stays with the MLB team. You can see the potential with Rojas, but he’s a little more raw than Priellipp. 

Last night was the first game I’ve watched in a couple of weeks. Keep up the youth movement and the Twins will keep my interest. 

[TJSweens]

I am going to go against the consensus here. I think any number of right fielders make that catch that Wallner didn't. I think even Larnach makes that catch because he makes better reads, gets better jumps and is a little faster. 

The one Lewis couldn't bring down was a hit all the way.

I liked what I saw from Prielipp for a first start. That is a bodacious slider. Going forward, I hope we see better command of pitches that aren't the slider. I'm really glad they didn't move him to the pen. 

I liked the heat Rojas brings. A little refinement and he could be pretty good. He has high end stuff. 

[thelanges5]

Two MLB debuts on the mound. Bullpen goes five innings and only gives up one run. This one is on the offense again. Not going to win too many games when you only score two and can’t do anything with runners in scoring position.

[Linus]

Both Prielipp and Rojas have good stuff. They need to gain better command but there is definitely something there to work with. Rojas in the bullpen could be a force as he has easy velocity. No mention in this recap of Royce’s night with the glove. Bad error and a couple other plays that a good defender makes. Lee is rightfully getting shade for his fielding but I am willing to bet he would be a better third baseman than Royce. Of course neither of them can hit so there’s that. Thumbs up to Larnach for an excellent play in left field. Plays the ball off the wall perfectly and makes an accurate throw to Lee. Perfectly played. 

[JD-TWINS]

9 hours ago, bean5302 said:

.750 expected batting average on that ball. I don't see Byron Buxton making a play on that if Buxton was in RF, but Savant will update with the expected catch percentage tomorrow. Then again, low hanging fruit. Wallner is going to take heat on any and every play he doesn't make at this point. Upper deck home run? Do you even jump, bruh? lol

When was his last HR?

Tough to get excited bruh, about a guy that has an OPS & OPS+ lower than Kody Clemens & Brooks Lee!!

[JD-TWINS]

23 minutes ago, Linus said:

Both Prielipp and Rojas have good stuff. They need to gain better command but there is definitely something there to work with. Rojas in the bullpen could be a force as he has easy velocity. No mention in this recap of Royce’s night with the glove. Bad error and a couple other plays that a good defender makes. Lee is rightfully getting shade for his fielding but I am willing to bet he would be a better third baseman than Royce. Of course neither of them can hit so there’s that. Thumbs up to Larnach for an excellent play in left field. Plays the ball off the wall perfectly and makes an accurate throw to Lee. Perfectly played. 

Rogers never should have walked a .207 BA, LH batter with 2 outs & bases empty!

……..AND neither Lee nor Lewis can hit, so there’s that.

Fun to see good stuff with “promise” come from the system. I can certainly “imagine” Rojas being a bigger value than Louie Varland at some point in the next year or so.

[tony&rodney]

No reason to have angst over Wallner, Lee, or Lewis. That ship sailed when theTwins decided to keep them each of the last three offseasons. The direction and unbalanced roster hopeful that gloves wouldn't matter and these guys would be good was the gamble. Now we live with it a little longer, maybe the rest of the year. 

No use in blaming the players. They are doing their best, but their gloves and bats are not up to par. It is what it is. Change will happen down the road.

The Twins are playing harder (imo) this year and I can appreciate that effort. The talent lags a bit.

[David Maro]

Two bad teams and someone has to win!!

[1985Fan]

Great play by Larnach AND Lee to get the out at home. Two perfect throws. Nice to see good defense on that play. I can’t blame Wallner on that blooper in front of him. Keep in mind the OF defense was playing deep to prevent doubles late in a tie game. 
This loss was on the offense, or lack of. Sometimes you have to tip your cap to the other team for good pitching performance and move on. Future is bright for Prielipp (with better command) and Rojas.
It was a competitive game so fun to watch. Mets fans must be ecstatic that their multi-million dollar team finally broke out of their losing streak. I can’t imagine what the Mets fan base has been saying about that organization! Here’s a stat for analytics people: no team has made the playoffs after enduring a 12-game losing streak. Good thing Cohen is spending $300M on payroll!