Royals 3, Twins 2: Late-Inning Momentum Swings and a Costly Mistake Decide the Game

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Box Score
Starting Pitcher: Joe Ryan - 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K (102 pitches, 66 strikes (65% strikes))
Home Runs: Orlando Arcia
Bottom 3 WPA: Eric Orze (-0.63), Josh Bell (-0.24), Royce Lewis (-0.21)

Win Probability Chart

The Twins entered Saturday afternoon's matchup against the Royals looking to secure at least a series split before Sunday's finale. Earlier in the day, they welcomed Royce Lewis back from Triple-A St. Paul after a dominant stretch with the Saints, inserting him into the lineup for his second-ever major league start at second base. 

With Byron Buxton unavailable after leaving Friday night's game with a shoulder contusion, Minnesota needed someone else to step up offensively.

Instead, another frustrating one-run loss slipped away in the late innings. The Twins received six strong innings from Joe Ryan and got a clutch performance from Orlando Arcia off the bench, but a costly mistake in the ninth inning helped Kansas City rally for a 3-2 victory at Target Field.

The loss dropped Minnesota to another frustrating defeat in a game that was there for the taking.

JOE RYAN SETTLES IN AFTER EARLY HOMER
The afternoon could not have started much worse for Joe Ryan. On the third pitch of the game, Carter Jensen jumped on a two-strike curveball and launched it over the wall for his eighth home run of the season, giving Kansas City a quick 1-0 lead.

Ryan's first inning was laborious, requiring 21 pitches and featuring another two-strike hit by Vinnie Pasquantino. It looked like the Royals might be in for another productive afternoon against the Twins' ace. Instead, Ryan gradually found his rhythm.

After an eight-pitch second inning, he recorded the 800th strikeout of his major league career when he punched out Kyle Isbel in the third. He continued to work efficiently through the middle innings, retiring nine of ten hitters at one point and giving Minnesota exactly the kind of stabilizing outing it needed.

The biggest test came in the sixth. Pasquantino opened the inning with a single, and a bloop hit by Lane Thomas later put runners on first and second with one out. After Michael Massey flew out, Ryan walked Isaac Collins to load the bases and bring the go-ahead run into scoring position.

With the game hanging in the balance, Josh Rojas grounded a ball right back to the mound. Ryan calmly fielded it and flipped to first, escaping the jam and preserving the tie.

Despite throwing 25 pitches in the inning, Ryan completed six innings on 102 pitches while allowing just one run. It marked the fourth time in his last six starts that he has worked six innings while allowing just one run.

THE TWINS FINALLY BREAK THROUGH
For much of the afternoon, Minnesota's offense had no answers for Royals starter Luinder Avila.

The Twins managed just one baserunner through the first four innings and didn't record their first hit until Austin Martin lined a single into right-center field to lead off the fifth.

That hit finally sparked some life. Victor Caratini followed with a double off the wall in right-center, putting runners on second and third. Royce Lewis showed some patience by working a walk to load the bases.

Tristan Gray delivered the Twins' first run of the afternoon with a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Martin and tied the game at one. Unfortunately for Minnesota, that would be the only damage they could do after loading the bases, as Ryan Kreidler would ground into an inning-ending double play.

The game remained deadlocked until the eighth inning, when manager Derek Shelton elected to hit Orlando Arcia for Trevor Larnach against left-hander Matt Strahm.

The move paid off immediately. Arcia got a 2-2 fastball on the outer third of the plate and drove it into the left-field seats for his first home run as a Twin, breaking the 1-1 tie and giving Minnesota a 2-1 lead with just six outs remaining.

After struggling to generate offense all afternoon, it appeared the Twins had finally found the decisive swing.

A COSTLY NINTH-INNING MISTAKE
Taylor Rogers and Yoendrys Gómez combined for two scoreless innings after Ryan exited, putting Minnesota in position to hand the ball to Eric Orze in the ninth. Things unraveled quickly.

Collins opened the inning with a single, and Tyler Tolbert entered as a pinch-runner. Tolbert immediately stole second base on the first pitch of Rojas' at-bat, putting the tying run in scoring position with nobody out.

Moments later came the turning point, when Rojas hit a routine ground ball back to Orze. Rather than taking the sure out at first base, Orze attempted to throw behind Tolbert at second. The play failed, leaving runners at first and second with nobody out and giving Kansas City a golden opportunity.

The Royals took full advantage. Isbel successfully bunted both runners into scoring position, and Jensen followed with a sacrifice fly to right field that tied the game at two.

With the go-ahead run still at second, Bobby Witt Jr. lined a ball over Arcia's head in left field. Rojas raced home ahead of Kody Clemens' relay throw, giving Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

What likely should have been one out and a runner on second instead became a rally that flipped the game. The decision not to take the easy out at first base proved incredibly costly.

ONE LAST CHANCE FALLS SHORT
Minnesota didn't go quietly in the bottom of the ninth.

Clemens led off the inning with a double off the wall in right field, immediately putting the tying run in scoring position. After Josh Bell struck out and Martin went down swinging, the Twins appeared to be running out of opportunities.

Caratini kept the inning alive when he was hit by a pitch, bringing Lewis to the plate as the potential hero. The crowd buzzed as Lewis worked the count full, but Alex Lange finished the at-bat with a front-door cutter that caught the inside corner for strike three.

Lewis stood frozen, and the game was over. For a Twins team that received a quality start from Ryan, got a clutch home run from Arcia, and held a lead entering the ninth inning, the loss was particularly difficult to swallow.

In a game where offense was scarce and every out carried extra importance, one failed decision on a routine ground ball ultimately proved to be the difference.

What’s Next?
The Twins and Royals conclude their four-game set tomorrow afternoon, with another 1:10 PM first-pitch. We’ve got a battle of lefties tomorrow, as it’ll be Connor Prielipp for the Twins and Noah Cameron for Kansas City. 

Postgame Interviews
Coming Soon!

Bullpen Availability Chart

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[Glorybound]

Momma said there would be days I mean seasons like this. Hopefully Lewis is ready to roll from this point forward. His team needs him to be a lot more than he has been this season.

[RpR]

[Over The Hill Again]

Not a good thing when you’re desperately hoping to split a home series against the last place team. 

[shimrod]

I'm not the only one who thought it was premature to bring Lewis back. Poor at bats and lousy defense as expected. I think I read he got one game at second in AAA, today he's your starter. 

If you're going to change a guys position maybe a couple weeks of practice in the minors isn't a bad idea. 

The Twins management simply refuses to take defense seriously. 

[Sjoski]

Unforced error dooms this team once again.  This team gives away games like Halloween Candy.

[thelanges5]

Twins are 5-10 in 1-run games and are one of two teams that do not have a walk off win yet this season. 

[Peter]

Infuriating/upsetting loss!!!🤬😡😤💩🤮Orze  cost us game!!! Get the out at first!!! Had he done that twins win!!! Now we need to tomorrow/beat Detroit/st Louis to get over .500

[mnfireman]

It is completely unacceptable that a major league baseball player did not know to get the out at first when the runner on second was already diving back to the base, I drilled that (situational awareness) into every JH and Babe Ruth team I coached.

Lack of understanding fundamentals is an ongoing issue with this organization and needs to be addressed at every level, starting in ST and continuing through the lower level minor leagues until every player knows what to do in any given situation. 

 

[thelanges5]

28 minutes ago, Peter said:

Infuriating/upsetting loss!!!🤬😡😤💩🤮Orze  cost us game!!! Get the out at first!!! Had he done that twins win!!! Now we need to tomorrow/beat Detroit/st Louis to get over .500

Always appreciate your optimism, Peter, but I don’t think this club is touching .500 again this year. 

[DocBauer]

I'm disappointed as everyone is, and I'm not here to pile on Shelton ir any player in particular.

But I really don't understand how this series has been played so far.

On Tnursday, why in the world was one of our 2 best bullpen arms used as the opener? We might have won that game if Morris has been available in his now normal role as a late inning arm instead of using the recently added, and often wild Lawrence. That might have also allowed Morris to still be available for the 9th instead or Orze.

And why in the world didn't Orze take the out at 1st? That is just basic, fundamental baseball. But THEN we pitch to one of the best baseball players on the planet in Witt?? No! Let someone ELSE try to beat you!

And while he isn't a veteran, Kreidler is a 28yo experienced ballplayer who was involved in a miss play, dropped ball when he is supposed to make the INF calls on a pop up. And then, we had a collision in the OF because of poor communication that fortunately didn't lead to an injury. As the CF, it was up to him to "call" the play.

Again, I'm really not interested in picking on anyone in particular. Crap happens. But there is a pretty distinct possibility that the Twins win both Thursday and today if someone else is the opener for Thursday. So unfortunately, I have to point a finger at Shelton right now for a really poor decision that might have cost both games.

 

[thelanges5]

Twins have scored 2 runs or less 19 times this season (29% of the time) and are 1-18 in those games. 

[weitz41]

The waiver wire BP is going to cost this team games. This is the most recent of a few now. The lack of investment is going to show up from time to time. At least we have a DH who doesn't hit and a catcher who'll be here next season and doesn't hit....

[djvang]

2 hours ago, Glorybound said:

Momma said there would be days I mean seasons like this. Hopefully Lewis is ready to roll from this point forward. His team needs him to be a lot more than he has been this season.

I look for him to revert to where he was before he was sent down.. He's got an enormous ego, but it's also very fragile. When his performance doesn't match what his ego expects , he crumbles.

Edited 8 hours ago by djvang
Spelling

[Hubie29]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

I'm disappointed as everyone is, and I'm not here to pile on Shelton ir any player in particular.

But I really don't understand how this series has been played so far.

On Tnursday, why in the world was one of our 2 best bullpen arms used as the opener? We might have won that game if Morris has been available in his now normal role as a late inning arm instead of using the recently added, and often wild Lawrence. That might have also allowed Morris to still be available for the 9th instead or Orze.

And why in the world didn't Orze take the out at 1st? That is just basic, fundamental baseball. But THEN we pitch to one of the best baseball players on the planet in Witt?? No! Let someone ELSE try to beat you!

And while he isn't a veteran, Kreidler is a 28yo experienced ballplayer who was involved in a miss play, dropped ball when he is supposed to make the INF calls on a pop up. And then, we had a collision in the OF because of poor communication that fortunately didn't lead to an injury. As the CF, it was up to him to "call" the play.

Again, I'm really not interested in picking on anyone in particular. Crap happens. But there is a pretty distinct possibility that the Twins win both Thursday and today if someone else is the opener for Thursday. So unfortunately, I have to point a finger at Shelton right now for a really poor decision that might have cost both games.

 

I think when Sheltons decisions win games it's just dumb luck.  Not impressed so far. 

[hitterscount]

2 hours ago, mnfireman said:

It is completely unacceptable that a major league baseball player did not know to get the out at first when the runner on second was already diving back to the base, I drilled that (situational awareness) into every JH and Babe Ruth team I coached.

Lack of understanding fundamentals is an ongoing issue with this organization and needs to be addressed at every level, starting in ST and continuing through the lower level minor leagues until every player knows what to do in any given situation. 

 

It's easy to believe these athletes are the best of the best while playing the game most of their lives and from playing the game that they automatically understand the fundamentals of baseball, it's clear there is a significant portion that don't. It seems like time in spring training should be focused on other areas, however not understanding the most basic concepts have cost this team multiple games.... it's time to get this organization back to solid fundamental baseball....at every level. 

[krink]

Royce was neater at the plate. He still doesn’t quite know his strike zone, but it’s much closer. I really was hoping for him to do something there at the end of the ninth - no home run, but anything. Made the nothing all the the more painful.

[hitterscount]

Was on the road Thursday and Shelton was a guest on one of the MLB radio shows. He is well spoken, easy to root for and I like his booze stash in his office. There were discussions on , not sure his or the front office or both, on player positions and starting pitching philosophies. 

He had different takes. He specifically stated he likes versatility in his everyday players. Sounded like he believes they should be interchangeable, playing anywhere that is needed in the field. Talked about Clemens, Arcia, Lee, Lewis and more..... I am not saying anything bad about him, but I don't understand this approach. We see more games than not where the defense is botching plays, whether there is an error associated or not. Today's game was a great example.... a missed DP that couldn't have been easier to turn. It's really hard to blame Lewis for failed execution, he's not ready to play the position and to put him there is a disservice to him and the team. The failed DP cost Ryan extra pitches and stress that shouldn't have been needed. Than the sac fly that ended up being the winning run.... When it was caught the initial thought was the runner would be thrown out by 10 feet. Moving ifrom first to LF should be easy, but you don't see that move often, or maybe Clemens arm is just that weak... if that's the case he's not OF material.

On the starting pitching. He wish he didn't have to use BP starts, would love to have 5 starters he could count on, but injuries have derailed that ability. And he was pretty clear that he was on board with cutting ties with SWR. Nothing negative, just it was time for both sides to part ways. Hopefully Abel and Ober are back soon. 

 An interesting interview, and a little insight in someone's philosophy, whether him or the organization that these guys need to be able to play multiple positions to give the team options. I think it's a mistake, but that's why I'm on the computer and not coaching. 

[karcherd]

9 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

Was on the road Thursday and Shelton was a guest on one of the MLB radio shows. He is well spoken, easy to root for and I like his booze stash in his office. There were discussions on , not sure his or the front office or both, on player positions and starting pitching philosophies. 

He had different takes. He specifically stated he likes versatility in his everyday players. Sounded like he believes they should be interchangeable, playing anywhere that is needed in the field. Talked about Clemens, Arcia, Lee, Lewis and more..... I am not saying anything bad about him, but I don't understand this approach. We see more games than not where the defense is botching plays, whether there is an error associated or not. Today's game was a great example.... a missed DP that couldn't have been easier to turn. It's really hard to blame Lewis for failed execution, he's not ready to play the position and to put him there is a disservice to him and the team. The failed DP cost Ryan extra pitches and stress that shouldn't have been needed. Than the sac fly that ended up being the winning run.... When it was caught the initial thought was the runner would be thrown out by 10 feet. Moving ifrom first to LF should be easy, but you don't see that move often, or maybe Clemens arm is just that weak... if that's the case he's not OF material.

On the starting pitching. He wish he didn't have to use BP starts, would love to have 5 starters he could count on, but injuries have derailed that ability. And he was pretty clear that he was on board with cutting ties with SWR. Nothing negative, just it was time for both sides to part ways. Hopefully Abel and Ober are back soon. 

 An interesting interview, and a little insight in someone's philosophy, whether him or the organization that these guys need to be able to play multiple positions to give the team options. I think it's a mistake, but that's why I'm on the computer and not coaching. 

The infield configuration was not good in the 9th inning.  They got lucky that didn't cost them this time.  You can't put Lewis or any other player in the position of playing a new position in a one run game unless it is an emergency.  And this was not an emergency.

We are seeing a lot of fielding miscues and some of that is due to miscommunication, which is going to happen with this philosophy.

[DJL44]

With better defense they might have Joe Ryan pitching the seventh inning. 
 

The offense really misses Buxton and Jeffers.

[Blyleven2011]

Two steps forward and three steps back , always going to be this way until defense strengthens or we'll continue to win one lose one ...

Lewis coming back too soon in my opinion , what did he learn  ? 

The only thing he learned is that he can still hit homeruns against AAA pitching  , interview with royce , he said he changed a few things but didn't elaborate  ...

I like Lewis,  the energy  he brings , but we can't continue to have a failed offense , the only good news is Outman was DFA'd because of Lewis being reinstated  ...

[karcherd]

2 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

Lewis coming back too soon in my opinion , what did he learn  ? 

If you watch him, he actually has brought back his leg kick and he has mentioned that has helped him with his timing.  The few times I watched him in St. Paul, I did see him go the other way more often.  Now whether he needed more time in St. Paul, I wouldn't necessarily disagree.  But he needs to figure it out up here at some point otherwise a decision needs to be made regarding his future.

[tony&rodney]

3 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm disappointed as everyone is, and I'm not here to pile on Shelton ir any player in particular.

But I really don't understand how this series has been played so far.

On Tnursday, why in the world was one of our 2 best bullpen arms used as the opener? We might have won that game if Morris has been available in his now normal role as a late inning arm instead of using the recently added, and often wild Lawrence. That might have also allowed Morris to still be available for the 9th instead or Orze.

And why in the world didn't Orze take the out at 1st? That is just basic, fundamental baseball. But THEN we pitch to one of the best baseball players on the planet in Witt?? No! Let someone ELSE try to beat you!

And while he isn't a veteran, Kreidler is a 28yo experienced ballplayer who was involved in a miss play, dropped ball when he is supposed to make the INF calls on a pop up. And then, we had a collision in the OF because of poor communication that fortunately didn't lead to an injury. As the CF, it was up to him to "call" the play.

Again, I'm really not interested in picking on anyone in particular. Crap happens. But there is a pretty distinct possibility that the Twins win both Thursday and today if someone else is the opener for Thursday. So unfortunately, I have to point a finger at Shelton right now for a really poor decision that might have cost both games.

 

Shelton has been making the correct moves. The talent is a bit on the short side. You did point fingers despite not wanting to, which is disappointing.

Kreidler for one was screaming "I got it" all the way. It is really clear, actually definitive on the replays, but I also saw it as it happened. Larnach, to his credit, has worked hard on routes, jumps, and tracking fly balls. Trevor was hellbent on catching that ball and just ran into Kreidler. Later, Larnach called off Kreidler and was barreling in, which caused Kreidler to pull up. The ball glanced off of Larnach's glove. Kreidler took a step back and got a poor jump on the ball but was still going to easily catch that ball until he decided that one collision with Larnach was enough for the day. 

The players need to execute in key situations and they are not completing their tasks despite strong efforts. We don't need to assign blame to the manager for plays not made.

[tony&rodney]

27 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

With better defense they might have Joe Ryan pitching the seventh inning. 
 

The offense really misses Buxton and Jeffers.

The first sentence is totally true. The second sentence highlights the lack of bats.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Such a frustrating game. Another 6 innings of 1 run ball from Ryan. But no offense. Arcia comes through with the pinch hit tie breaker and the BP let's us down again. Orze lacking the situational awareness to throw to 1st. Basic fundamentals. 

I understand the reasoning behind it, but I'm tired of the closer by committee. Pick a guy and let him get used to the role. My 1st choice is Gomez. 

[mark allen]

4 hours ago, weitz41 said:

The waiver wire BP is going to cost this team games. This is the most recent of a few now. The lack of investment is going to show up from time to time. At least we have a DH who doesn't hit and a catcher who'll be here next season and doesn't hit....

hard to win if you only score two runs

[jkcarew]

What decided the game was scoring 2 runs…with about 7 guys sharing the blame equally for that.

Embrace the futility. Nothing short of total and epic failure will get anything to change in this org.

[knothole61]

6 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm disappointed as everyone is, and I'm not here to pile on Shelton ir any player in particular.

But I really don't understand how this series has been played so far.

On Tnursday, why in the world was one of our 2 best bullpen arms used as the opener? We might have won that game if Morris has been available in his now normal role as a late inning arm instead of using the recently added, and often wild Lawrence. That might have also allowed Morris to still be available for the 9th instead or Orze.

And why in the world didn't Orze take the out at 1st? That is just basic, fundamental baseball. But THEN we pitch to one of the best baseball players on the planet in Witt?? No! Let someone ELSE try to beat you!

And while he isn't a veteran, Kreidler is a 28yo experienced ballplayer who was involved in a miss play, dropped ball when he is supposed to make the INF calls on a pop up. And then, we had a collision in the OF because of poor communication that fortunately didn't lead to an injury. As the CF, it was up to him to "call" the play.

Again, I'm really not interested in picking on anyone in particular. Crap happens. But there is a pretty distinct possibility that the Twins win both Thursday and today if someone else is the opener for Thursday. So unfortunately, I have to point a finger at Shelton right now for a really poor decision that might have cost both games.

 

Yeah, you can see Kreisler calling the ball on the replay and when the centerfielder calls others must get out of his way. For as long as he's been here Larnach is still a mystery to me...I don't dislike him necessarily, but I certainly don't understand him either. At times he seems to have a low baseball IQ, maybe? 

[knothole61]

5 hours ago, djvang said:

I look for him to revert to where he was before he was sent down.. He's got an enormous ego, but it's also very fragile. When his performance doesn't match what his ego expects , he crumbles.

dj, man I was praying for a big, game-winning hit in the ninth for him...that might have been the jump start he needs. Maybe tomorrow? The talent IS inside of him...

[howeda7]

Send out Kriedler and Gray for Culpepper and Mendez. And it's time to pick a closer, which should probably be Gomez. You can't just keep playing Russian Roulette with it and it certainly can't be Orze.