Mets 10, Twins 8: Fun Seesaw Battle Leaves Twins with Nothing But Sore Butts

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Box Score

Starting Pitcher: Joe Ryan - 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 5 K (92 pitches, 66 strikes (72% strikes))
Home Runs: Tristan Gray, Ryan Jeffers
Bottom 3 WPA: Joe Ryan (-0.44), Anthony Banda (-0.36), Luke Keaschall (-0.13)

Win Probability Chart (via Baseball Savant)

The Twins came into Thursday’s rubber match with a chance to do something they’ve never done before: win a series at Citi Field. For much of the night, it looked like they wouldn’t come close. Then, for a brief moment late, it looked like they might steal it, after all. It was a blowout, undone by a triumphant comeback—but it ended in heartbreak.

They fought back. They erased a six-run deficit. But in the end, the early damage and one more late breakdown proved too much to overcome.

JOE RYAN CAN’T ESCAPE EARLY DAMAGE
Joe Ryan never really found his footing. The first inning set the tone. After allowing a leadoff single and a walk, Ryan looked like he might limit the damage. But one mistake changed everything. Brett Baty got a fastball at the top of the zone and didn’t miss it, launching a three-run homer to give the Mets an early 3-1 lead.

It snowballed from there. The second inning unraveled in a different way. A leadoff double, a passed ball that allowed a run to score on a strikeout, and a sequence of extended at-bats kept the line moving. Before Ryan could settle in, the Mets had pushed across three more runs, stretching the lead to 6-1.

From there, Ryan did stabilize. He retired six straight at one point and needed just 13 pitches to get through a clean third inning, after throwing 52 across the first two. But the damage was already done. A fourth-inning solo homer from Carson Benge added another run, and by the time Ryan exited after five, the Twins were staring at a steep deficit.

The final line shows seven runs, but only four earned. Even so, this was a grind from the start, and one where he was constantly pitching uphill. It's to Ryan's credit, at least, that he stuck around and got them 15 outs, without letting the game get any further out of hand.

MISSED CHANCES EARLY
The Twins had just as good a chance to hang a crooked number in the first inning as the Mets did. They just couldn’t capitalize. They didn’t record a hit in the inning, yet still managed to score, thanks to four walks and a hit batter. Mets starter Christian Scott had serious command issues, needing 33 pitches to get through the inning while throwing just 13 strikes.

That should’ve been the moment to break things open. Instead, the Twins left the bases loaded.

That became a theme. Through the first four innings, they left eight runners on base and logged one hit with runners in scoring position. There were competitive at-bats, traffic on the bases, and plenty of opportunities, but no big swing to flip the game. By the time the offense started to break through, they were already chasing the game.

THE COMEBACK SWING
For seven innings, it felt like the Twins were stuck in neutral offensively. Then everything changed in one swing. After slowly chipping away, including a solo homer from Tristan Gray in the sixth, the Twins entered the eighth still trailing by four. They loaded the bases with two outs, bringing Ryan Jeffers to the plate, and he delivered, big-time.

Jeffers got a sinker over the heart of the plate and demolished it, launching a game-tying grand slam that erased the deficit in an instant. Just like that, a 7-3 game became 7-7, and the energy completely flipped (literally—Jeffers flipped his bat with gusto and the dugout was abuzz after the blast).

It was the kind of swing that felt like it could define the game, but the momentum did not last long.

BULLPEN CAN’T HOLD THE LINE
After clawing all the way back, the Twins needed the bullpen to record some big outs in the bottom of the eighth. They did not get them.

Andrew Morris was outstanding in relief of Ryan, striking out four across two perfect innings and giving the Twins exactly what they needed to stay within reach. He carried that momentum into the eighth, but the inning quickly turned. A leadoff single, a walk, and a couple of extended at-bats loaded the bases with two outs, in the middle of which Anthony Banda took over for Morris. His walk to Tommy Pham set up a sacks-packed showdown with Bo Bichette, and Bichette made Banda and the Twins pay.

He got a slider up out of the zone and drove it off the wall in left-center for a bases-clearing double, instantly flipping the game back in the Mets’ favor at 10-7. It was a harsh reminder of how quickly things can unravel, especially after free passes extend an inning.

The Twins didn’t go quietly in the ninth. Brooks Lee and Tristan Gray each singled to bring home a run, and Byron Buxton followed with a double to put the tying run in scoring position. But that’s where it ended. Trevor Larnach struck out swinging, and the comeback fell just short.

The Twins lose the series, and they’re now below .500 for the first time since April 7—left to wonder what might’ve been after one of the more chaotic games of the season.

What’s Next?
The Twins travel to Tampa Bay tonight to start a three-game series with the Rays tomorrow. Taj Bradley is set to take on his former team tomorrow, and opposite Bradley will be righty Drew Rasmussen. First pitch is set for 6:10 CT.

Postgame Interviews
Coming Soon!

Bullpen Usage Chart

	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	TOT
Sands	12	0	0	23	0	0	35
Morris	0	47	0	0	0	37	47
Acton	0	29	0	0	0	0	29
Banda	0	0	0	18	0	9	18
Orze	15	0	0	0	11	0	26
Rogers	0	8	0	0	12	0	20
Topa	10	0	0	17	17	0	55
Rojas	0	0	0	0	35	0	35

 

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[mark sills]

you can't walk a 0-8 batter. Banda should walk also

[jkcarew]

ngl…if April 22 proves to be the last day the Twins held a 500 or better record during the 2026 season…it would easily be 20 days later than I thought it would be.

[howeda7]

This loss is on Shelton. You can't use Banda there. As soon as Funderburk is back he should be gone. Ridiculous. 

[Longdistancetwins]

Was at the game but saw very few Twins fans.  It was rather exciting to Andrew Morris pitch well and learn that he is originally from NYC.  Jeffers’ amazing grand slam came while New York fans were learning that the Knicks were losing their playoff game by one point.  But then I knew we’d blow it with the bullpen…

[knothole61]

Painful, painful pen!

[jaimedude]

Twins need to add to the bullpen. These early season losses due to all the walks and bullpen leakage are going to haunt the team down the stretch. I know expectations are low but when your getting good enough starting pitching most games to win, you should have at least a decent bullpen. I don't think fans would be opposed to the Twins adding to the bullpen this early in the season. 

[h2oface]

Banda = this years Rodney/Colome/Pagan

[Peter]

Slam means nothing-can’t give up walks!!! 11-12 but should be 17-8 need to flush this and end series against rays!!! 

[CRF]

If Ryan is going to struggle...then this team will be even worse than we all already think they'll be. The Pen is a disaster as we all knew it would be. Repent...the end is near!

[DJL44]

8 hours ago, howeda7 said:

This loss is on Shelton. You can't use Banda there. As soon as Funderburk is back he should be gone. Ridiculous. 

Banda shut the Mets down easily just two days ago.

[DJL44]

7 hours ago, Longdistancetwins said:

Was at the game but saw very few Twins fans.

Sounds just like Target Field 

[DJL44]

Joe Ryan can’t win with location that bad

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

I'm all for cutting ties with Banda and letting Rojas get some extended time in the bullpen.

[jmlease1]

Bad time for Ryan to turn in a stinker. I was worried about this series; the Mets have too much talent to have been this bad, and the epic losing streak was going to come to an end soon...

Twins were really good early in the season hitting with runners in scoring position. Feels like we're regressing back to the mean, And even with Keaschall moving down in the lineup...when you're struggling, things find you. Instead of getting that big hit in the first to crack the game open, it was a harmless fly ball. Hard not to be concerned about that .508 OPS

Austin Martin has been a real bright spot. Dude just gets himself on base. Eventually, that's going to slide back (you simply can't expect an OBP of .515; that's crazy Barry Bonds stuff) at least some, but he's doing a great job battling at the plate, working walks, and getting hits.

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, mark sills said:

you can't walk a 0-8 batter. Banda should walk also

Rogers did the same thing on Wednesday night walking the LH hitter with a .207 BA - no way to pitch in a short stint! Both pretty disappointing………… Bichette got a tough pitch to hit and drilled it…….bummer!

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, CRF said:

If Ryan is going to struggle...then this team will be even worse than we all already think they'll be. The Pen is a disaster as we all knew it would be. Repent...the end is near!

3.29 ERA coming into last night - a bad outing AND good scouting/plan by Mets. Sky is yet to start falling………..

[JD-TWINS]

6 hours ago, jaimedude said:

Twins need to add to the bullpen. These early season losses due to all the walks and bullpen leakage are going to haunt the team down the stretch. I know expectations are low but when your getting good enough starting pitching most games to win, you should have at least a decent bullpen. I don't think fans would be opposed to the Twins adding to the bullpen this early in the season. 

Why would anyone be opposed to adding to PEN ………. from where & how? Nobody is offering up solid relievers - particularly in April. Gotta figure it out from within.

[JD-TWINS]

Ryan was rough - Jeffers dropping 3rd strike and allowing 2nd BIG inning to occur seems to have gone unnoticed. PEN is going to give up runs, just like starters……..gotta reduce walks though!

Martin to 2B - thoughts? I know it’s a risk to move him and disrupt his offensive mojo. He can play defense as well as Keaschall! Gets him in the line-up everyday. Allows Emma & Roden to have everyday opportunities in the corner OF spots.

Wallner seems to be on the edge of being optioned. Martin started in front of him v. RH pitcher last night. 3-4 with a walk.

KEASCHALL (everyone loves him - me too) is struggling!! Last night he ended the 1st - 3rd - 5th - 7th & lead off the 9th with a K. He needs a break to gather himself……… he’s had ZERO Slug all season and now can’t make loud contact ………. I’d guess 25% of his hits are “infield hits”. 

Gray, not perfect, but certainly a better bat v. RH pitching than a few other common options used. Let him play a bit more.

Unless they go off in Tampa (😂) I would expect some roster changes when they get back to Minneapolis🙏🤞🙏🤞!

There’s a finality in any moves with Outman & Clemens! Egg on the face of Wallner & Keaschall to option them as well! Gotta due something though.

[mickster]

8 hours ago, howeda7 said:

This loss is on Shelton. You can't use Banda there. As soon as Funderburk is back he should be gone. Ridiculous. 

I think it should be Morris

[mickster]

6 hours ago, h2oface said:

Banda = this years Rodney/Colome/Pagan

would LOVE Pagan back right now

[Doctor Gast]

8 hours ago, howeda7 said:

This loss is on Shelton. You can't use Banda there. As soon as Funderburk is back he should be gone. Ridiculous. 

I agree with you, howeda. Our BP is pitiful; there are too many that you can't use in high-leverage situations, Banda is one of them. We desperately need a few who can come in that situation. I don't really trust anyone in our pen.

[stringer bell]

As presently constructed, this team is going to lose a lot of games in this fashion. There is simply not enough quality in the bullpen. There will be days like Tuesday where they shut down the opposition, but most of the time there will be lots of base runners and one poor pitch away from disaster. 

After 25 games, not one relief pitcher has shown they can handle high leverage situations. 

[mark sills]

Andrew Morris first inning of his first three games in the majors 

1st game two strike outs one hit no runs

2nd game two strike outs no hits

3rd game three strike outs no hits

[Doctor Gast]

I can't believe that Martin wasn't really mentioned in the game summary. Martin has been benched against RHPs, last night was an exception. He got on base 4X with an RBI. The assumption that he should sit against them is wrong. Praise to Jeffers & Gray for their timely HRs.

I thought we had a good chance of winning with Ryan on the mound. Ryan didn't have his A game & putting Banda in that situation was giving up. Having Morris up for long relief was one of the best moves the Twins have made this season so far.

[jmlease1]

20 minutes ago, mark sills said:

Andrew Morris first inning of his first three games in the majors 

1st game two strike outs one hit no runs

2nd game two strike outs no hits

3rd game three strike outs no hits

He has been coming in hot, maybe they've found something there. I understand why they're looking at him for a multi-inning role right now (calling the bullpen "thin" is generous, and the starting pitching depth is being tested with the loss of Abel) but I will be interested to see if they start transitioning him to more of a 1-2 inning practice and throwing more often?

We need guys with more upside and velocity in there, and Morris might be suited to the gig.

[The Great Hambino]

If you had told me a month into the season that Martin would be in the lineup and Wallner would be on the bench while facing a righty starter, I'd have had some questions

Hopefully this is the start of Martin playing every day.  Apparently Roden ain't walking through that door any time soon (a torn labrum that doesn't require surgery? I have concerns that this could get worse before it gets better), so I don't see any OF reinforcements coming as I don't think Emma comes up until a full-time spot is available.  Certainly could be Wallner getting a AAA reset, but is he even the worst problem in the lineup when Kody Clemens has started half the games with a sub-.600 OPS?

This bullpen makes me sad

[JD-TWINS]

23 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

He has been coming in hot, maybe they've found something there. I understand why they're looking at him for a multi-inning role right now (calling the bullpen "thin" is generous, and the starting pitching depth is being tested with the loss of Abel) but I will be interested to see if they start transitioning him to more of a 1-2 inning practice and throwing more often?

We need guys with more upside and velocity in there, and Morris might be suited to the gig.

Agreed. A second “Cole Sands type” may be a better use of him, per the results so far over 3 outings. 1 inning & 1+ innings every second or third outing. He’s an asset if they can get his usage squared away.

[JD-TWINS]

21 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

If you had told me a month into the season that Martin would be in the lineup and Wallner would be on the bench while facing a righty starter, I'd have had some questions

Hopefully this is the start of Martin playing every day.  Apparently Roden ain't walking through that door any time soon (a torn labrum that doesn't require surgery? I have concerns that this could get worse before it gets better), so I don't see any OF reinforcements coming as I don't think Emma comes up until a full-time spot is available.  Certainly could be Wallner getting a AAA reset, but is he even the worst problem in the lineup when Kody Clemens has started half the games with a sub-.600 OPS?

This bullpen makes me sad

Clemens being called on often, with his ceiling, IS a sad thing!

Clemens 1/2 the time and Keaschall 100% of the time ….. Luke’s hitting .202 - his walk rate is about 5% - he’s got 4 XBH - his OPS+ is 43. His OBP is .245 - brutal!!

Martin to 2B - option Luke & Wallner and play Emma every day in RF. It’s a thought.

[David Maro]

This is what happens when you gut the BP last year. Now you have a BP of has been and cast offs. Watching Morris the last two outings show he is not ready.