Nationals 7, Twins 5: Mental Mistakes, Missed Chances Cost Twins in Series Finale

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Box Score
SP: Simeon Woods Richardson - 4 1/3 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K (61 pitches, 34 strikes (56% strikes))
Home Runs: Ryan Jeffers
Bottom 3 WPA: Simeon Woods Richardson (-0.36), Austin Martin (-0.19), Byron Buxton (-0.18)

Win Probability Chart

The Twins entered Thursday’s rubber match against Washington with a chance to secure the series and build some momentum after a rocky start to the season. Instead, they let another winnable game slip away. Despite multiple offensive contributions and several chances to swing the game in their favor, the Twins couldn’t overcome another uneven pitching performance and a handful of costly mistakes in a 7-5 loss.

Minnesota battled back more than once and briefly erased a late deficit, but every answer they had was quickly matched by Washington. In the end, the Nationals took the series, while the Twins fell to 16-22 on the year.

BROOKS LEE BREAKS THROUGH EARLY
The Twins wasted little time putting pressure on the Nationals’ starting pitcher, Bloomington, Minn. native Jake Irvin. After Irvin cruised through a quick first inning, Minnesota broke through in the second. Ryan Jeffers opened the frame with an eight-pitch walk, Luke Keaschall followed with an infield single, and Kody Clemens was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

That brought up Brooks Lee, who continued what’s becoming a trend this season in big spots. Behind in the count with two strikes, Lee ripped a ground ball through the left side to score Jeffers and Keaschall, giving the Twins an early 2-0 lead. Heads-up baserunning from Clemens allowed him to move to third on the play, though the inning eventually ended with him getting tagged out at the plate trying to score on a shallow fly ball.

Lee wasn’t done. After Washington tied the game in the third, Lee delivered again in the fifth with a leadoff double, smoked 105 MPH off the bat. Moments later, Tristan Gray punched a single into shallow center, allowing Lee to score from second and briefly restore Minnesota’s lead.

By the middle innings, Lee had accounted for all three Twins runs, continuing a hot stretch at the plate and once again coming through in clutch situations.

WOODS RICHARDSON CAN’T ESCAPE THE FIFTH
For four innings, Simeon Woods Richardson looked like he might finally be settling in. Despite some shaky command early, he worked efficiently throughout the afternoon. Through four innings, Woods Richardson had thrown just 46 pitches and allowed only two runs. Aided by a pair of double plays and some solid defensive moments behind him, including a diving catch from Austin Martin in left field that robbed James Wood of extra bases, it was looking like the outing he desperately needed.

But the fifth inning unraveled quickly. José Tena drew a leadoff walk, Jacob Young was hit by a pitch, and Keibert Ruiz came through with a two-run double to put Washington ahead 4-3. After a sacrifice bunt moved Ruiz to third, Woods Richardson’s day came to an end after just 4 1/3 innings. It marked his sixth straight start allowing at least three earned runs, and once again, he failed to make it through five innings. Things only got worse after Anthony Banda entered the game.

Banda walked James Wood and hit Daylen Lile to load the bases, and a miscommunication between Matt Wallner and Keaschall on a routine pop-up allowed another run to score. Washington pushed its lead to 5-3 before the inning finally came to an end. The ugly fifth inning erased what had been a relatively encouraging outing up to that point.

THE TWINS KEEP FIGHTING BACK
To their credit, the Twins didn’t go away quietly. Ryan Jeffers immediately answered in the sixth inning, hammering a leadoff homer 432 feet to left field off an elevated sinker from Irvin. It was his fifth homer of the season and trimmed the deficit to one.

Minnesota had a golden opportunity to do even more damage after Wallner reached via hit-by-pitch and Keaschall worked a walk. Clemens moved both runners over with a sacrifice bunt, putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with one out.

But after the Nationals intentionally walked Lee, Tristan Gray struck out, and Byron Buxton came up empty in a huge spot, striking out on a full count to end the threat.

An inning later, the Twins clawed back again. Jeffers picked up his third extra-base hit of the game with a cheap double down the right-field line, and Josh Bell, facing his former team, delivered off the bench with a game-tying RBI double off the wall in left field.

Suddenly, the game was tied at 5-5, and the momentum had swung back toward Minnesota. Unfortunately for the Twins, it didn’t last long.

WASHINGTON RESPONDS IMMEDIATELY
The Nationals answered right away in the bottom of the seventh. Keibert Ruiz, who tormented Twins pitching all afternoon, launched a leadoff homer off John Klein to put Washington back in front. It was the first run allowed in Klein’s big-league career.

Moments later, James Wood ripped a ground-rule double, Daylen Lile reached on a swinging bunt that appeared to beat, and Curtis Mead added an RBI single to extend the lead to 7-5. That proved to be enough.

The Twins managed just one baserunner over the final two innings. Byron Buxton singled in the eighth to bring the tying run to the plate, but Trevor Larnach popped out to end the inning, and the top of the ninth went down quietly against Gus Varland (brother of Louie).

It was another frustrating loss for a Twins team that had opportunities throughout the afternoon but couldn’t capitalize enough when it mattered most. They battled back multiple times, but defensive mistakes, missed chances, and another short outing from the starting rotation ultimately proved too much to overcome.

What’s Next?
The Twins will travel to Cleveland to start a three-game weekend series tomorrow against the AL Central-leading Guardians. We’ve got a battle of young, talented left-handers tomorrow with Connor Prielipp on the hill for the Twins and Parker Messick throwing for Cleveland. First pitch is set for 6:15 PM.

Postgame Interviews
Coming Soon!

Bullpen Usage Chart

	SUN	MON	TUE	WED	THU	TOT
Orze	24	0	16	0	0	40
Morris	57	0	0	14	0	71
Rogers	32	0	0	0	26	58
Garcia	0	0	13	14	0	27
Banda	0	0	19	0	20	39
Topa	17	0	0	32	0	49
Funderburk	3	0	0	17	0	20
Klein	0	0	0	0	31	31

 

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[Parfigliano]

SWR cant escape the 5th inning is a sad very familiar story.

[Mike Sixel]

No idea what happened to SWR, he needs to go to the bullpen if Ryan is healthy. 

I understand "any given Sunday" , but losing two of three to the Nationals is awful. Do people still think the former manager was actually the problem? It's the GM, owners, and players....

[CRF]

We got the usual from SWR. Seems like he ends up with about the same line every time he starts. 

[Sjoski]

I missed the series finale due to a 'Mental Mistake.'

I fit right in with the roster.... 😀 

 

[Peter]

Terrible loss!!! Dropped pop fly and Martin/clemns getting out at home cost us win!!! With Cleveland upcoming twins will have their hands full! Need to sweep them!!!

[Parfigliano]

52 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

No idea what happened to SWR, he needs to go to the bullpen if Ryan is healthy. 

I understand "any given Sunday" , but losing two of three to the Nationals is awful. Do people still think the former manager was actually the problem? It's the GM, owners, and players....

It can be/was all 4.

[USAFChief]

54 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Do people still think the former manager was actually the problem? 

The problem? No.

A problem. Definitely. 

[Vanimal46]

Klein optioned over Luis Garcia? Come on man. 

[Aggies7]

I wait for the day when we’re competitive again. That’s going to be fun. 

[thelanges5]

14 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Klein optioned over Luis Garcia? Come on man. 

Makes no sense. 

[h2oface]

Last place in division, 1 game out of American League cellar, 1 1/2 out of MLB cellar. 11-7/5-15. Shelton likes the ‘tone’ of this team, though. 
 

Will Buxton ever be the guy that actually steps up in the big spots? Just what your “best player” would be expected/hoped to do, at least sometimes? Another strikeout with 2 outs and the bases loaded. Who would have thunk it? A simple single in his next no pressure bases empty at bat in the 8th - no problem. 

[thelanges5]

30 minutes ago, Peter said:

Terrible loss!!! Dropped pop fly and Martin/clemns getting out at home cost us win!!! With Cleveland upcoming twins will have their hands full! Need to sweep them!!!

There is no chance that this group sweeps the Guardos. 

[thelanges5]

First Nationals home series win, and only six wins at home. Two of them courtesy of the #MNTwins

[Patzky]

3 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

First Nationals home series win, and only six wins at home. Two of them courtesy of the #MNTwins

We cured the Mets if only temporarily. If I'm the Nats I'm grateful. We should change our city connect to the Docs. We will cure what ails ya.

[thelanges5]

Just now, Patzky said:

We cured the Mets if only temporarily. If I'm the Nats I'm grateful. We should change our city connect to the Docs. We will cure what ails ya.

I have a feeling clubs are circling their dates with the Twins as get right series for them.

[FlyingFinn]

After a terrible start to the season, many were moving on from Brooks Lee. He has been very good since then. To me, the future at 3B is a competition between him and Lewis and Lee is winning. SS is a competition between Culpepper and Houston as either will provide an upgrade on defense.

[HarmonK03]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

o people still think the former manager was actually the problem? It's the GM, owners, and players....

The manager was definitely part of the problem.  But this organization needs a complete overhaul from the top down.  I know everyone is down on the Pohlads.  But Falvey left this organization a mess.  He had no sustained success and he should have been booted last fall, that is what I blame the Pohlads for.  

There was minimal player development, a rigid adherence to platooning that led to a suboptimal roster from a talent standpoint, the a player can play anywhere theory,  and of course no bullpen.

My only hope is that Pohlad will bring in a real baseball executive who knows how to use all the tools, analytics, scouting and other metrics to build an organization.  And insures there is staff to develop the players.

[HarmonK03]

21 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

After a terrible start to the season, many were moving on from Brooks Lee. He has been very good since then. To me, the future at 3B is a competition between him and Lewis and Lee is winning. SS is a competition between Culpepper and Houston as either will provide an upgrade on defense.

Lewis had an OPS of .822 before he went on the IL and he did show improvement the last half of 25.  He has only back for 10 games, I think it is too early to give up on him.  

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Klein optioned over Luis Garcia? Come on man. 

The FO continually play the obviously washed up veteran as opposed to give in-house youth a legit opportunity to find out if they are MLB talent or not all while mouthing BS about being competitive and building towards the future.  

What a crock of s#!+

 

[HarmonK03]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Klein optioned over Luis Garcia? Come on man. 

They signaled this move when they DFA'd Roa instead of Garcia, so you knew it was going to be Klein sent down.

In a vacuum this signing does make some sense.  But how many reclamation projects do you need.  At what point are you going to give the young pitchers in St. Paul a chance.  Or do they not believe in them because it feels like they have more belief in the scrap heap they keep choosing from.  They have another 4 or 5 scrap heap types in St. Paul if they don't want to give the young kids a chance why not one of them.

Garcia, Banda, and Topa for starters can all be left in DC along with Outman.  It is not too early to start making changes so you know what you have for next year.  The longer they wait, the more chances are that they go into next year uncertain again of what they have and what reinforcements they need.

[Mahoning]

It sure isn't pretty. You have Keaschall, Larnach, Jeffers, and Lee giving their all; even Gray and Clemens chip in; Bradley and Ryan (?) and Prelipp pitching well; Buxton still with ONE hit with runners in scoring position, Bell and Caritini doing OK, and then a bunch of guys no other team wants. The good players are going to get worn down.

[The Great Hambino]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Klein optioned over Luis Garcia? Come on man. 

Optioned is the key word there for me

If they are still planning on keeping Klein semi-stretched out with the possibility of developing into a starter, then this move is a shrug for me.  He's younger than some of the other potential shift-to-the-bullpen candidates, and they can't convert them all at once.

But if they are already looking at him as a bullpen guy, then what are we doing here?

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Sim was looking ok today...until he wasn't. 

Too many holes on the team and I dont think there are enough capable players available to fill them. Other than Sim, the rotation looks good. Hoping Abel comes back and continues to pitch well. I have to assume Prielipp has pitched himself into the rotation. 

The bullpen is a disgrace. Funderburk looks decent. Rogers looks like hes coming around. Add in Sim. Acton and Laweryson were looking decent before injury. Maybe its possible to atleast become competent after a couple guys come back. 

But the defense. 🤦‍♂️ Its just awful. 

[HarmonK03]

25 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Optioned is the key word there for me

If they are still planning on keeping Klein semi-stretched out with the possibility of developing into a starter, then this move is a shrug for me.  He's younger than some of the other potential shift-to-the-bullpen candidates, and they can't convert them all at once.

But if they are already looking at him as a bullpen guy, then what are we doing here?

They are looking at Klein as a bulk guy, that was announced at the beginning of the year and that is how he is being used.  So does that mean he is a reliever or starter.

[Vanimal46]

5 minutes ago, karcherd said:

They are looking at Klein as a bulk guy, that was announced at the beginning of the year and that is how he is being used.  So does that mean he is a reliever or starter.

That’s the fun part. The answer to your question is neither. There’s a clear disconnect between the preparation in the minors vs. reality in MLB. 

[The Great Hambino]

18 minutes ago, karcherd said:

They are looking at Klein as a bulk guy, that was announced at the beginning of the year and that is how he is being used.  So does that mean he is a reliever or starter.

Sure, but long term they must be looking at one or the other.  Unless they're planning on bringing this bulk concept to the majors on a more permanent basis, which would be dumb, he's going to end up on one track or the other - starter or reliever

If they're using this bulk concept with the thinking that he could pivot either direction from it (still dumb), then I would consider him to still be a starter candidate

[jkcarew]

My only surprise nearly a quarter of a season into 2026 is that we’re not much worse than several other clubs…like 7 in the AL alone..right now. Man there are a LOT of bad teams out there right now.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

No idea what happened to SWR, he needs to go to the bullpen if Ryan is healthy. 

I understand "any given Sunday" , but losing two of three to the Nationals is awful. Do people still think the former manager was actually the problem? It's the GM, owners, and players....

They are spending (OWNERSHIP) $106M of which $32M are being paid to Correa & Lopez. That leaves $74M for the players actually on the field. To me, the GM is least to blame.

Wallner - Lewis - Caratini - Bell - Outman are not performing …….. that’s not Coaching nor Ownership nor the FO. The players are not getting it done - they ALL have in the past for portions of seasons, worst case. I’m much more confident in the probability of Caratini & Bell getting back to respectability than the other home grown guys. Outman is just a Roster mistake & he’s not breaking out of it, maybe ever.

The GM needs a vision developed WITH Ownership (year over year) and some resources ($$$). The Tean is spending $50M less than they did in 2023. Pretty sure the Team would be in a much better place if they just spent what they did in 2021 ($122M)……..it’s hard to imagine that the TWINS are spending their LOWEST TOTAL in 12 years outside the Covid year………… That is pathetic!!

[h2oface]

13 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

My only surprise nearly a quarter of a season into 2026 is that we’re not much worse than several other clubs…like 7 in the AL alone..right now. Man there are a LOT of bad teams out there right now.

Rose colored glasses? Yet in division cellar, 1 game out of AL cellar, and 1 1/2 game out of MLB cellar. 5-15 last 20 games. Maybe I just need my glasses tinted? 😇