Twins Video
SP: Chris Paddack 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 K, 0 BB (82 pitches, 51 strikes (62%))
Home Runs: Byron Buxton 2 (14), Kody Clemens (7), Ryan Jeffers (5)
Top 3 WPA: Buxton .175, Clemens .168, Jeffers .136
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs):
After six straight losses and another series slipping away, the Twins finally gave fans something to smile about. Minnesota’s lineup came alive Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati, slugging its way to a 12-5 win and avoiding a second consecutive sweep.
Byron Buxton wasted no time setting the tone, launching his second leadoff home run in as many games to put the Twins up 1-0. The early spark was quickly erased in the bottom of the first, however, as the Reds took a 2-1 lead—but this time, the Twins didn’t fold.
In the second inning, Kody Clemens hit his first home run since June 7, and Buxton followed with his second blast of the day. It was his fourth home run in the past three games and his 15th of the season, as he continues his incredible season (worthy of All-Star honors). The damage off Reds starter Nick Martinez didn’t stop there. Ty France and Ryan Jeffers each ripped 2-run doubles in the third inning to push the lead to 7-2 and end Martinez’s day before he could get nine outs.
The Reds got a couple back in the bottom of the fourth on a Gavin Lux home run, but the Twins answered right away with RBI hits from Trevor Larnach and Carlos Correa to make it 9-4. Then in the eighth, Jeffers delivered the final big blow with a 448-foot, 2-run homer. That swing was especially encouraging after he left Tuesday’s game early with a hand injury and sat out Wednesday. It was his fifth home run of the year. Brooks Lee added another insurance run in the ninth with a bases-loaded walk, to cap the scoring. (Earlier in the game, Lee also extended his hitting streak to an impressive 18 games.)
The offensive outburst contained 17 hits, including one from each starter, and featured 3-hit games from both Buxton and Correa. The bats finally looked alive after a sluggish two-week stretch and showed what this group can do when things are clicking, especially for their two best players.
That firepower gave Chris Paddack some rare breathing room. He wasn’t especially sharp, allowing six hits and four earned runs over five innings with just three strikeouts. But the early cushion (something he hasn't had much of this season) gave him enough to work with, and he was able to turn things over to the bullpen with a lead. Cole Sands allowed one run in relief, while Louis Varland, Danny Coulombe, Griffin Jax, and Justin Topa combined to keep the Reds in check the rest of the way.
The only really worrisome note of the day is that Paddack's velocity was down 2.2 miles per hour, on average, and seemed to sag as the game went along. Hopefully, it was just an off day for the Sheriff. He still did enough to prevent the early lead from slipping into jeopardy. It will be worth monitoring his velocity next time out.
The Twins still dropped the series in Cincinnati, but this win snapped the losing streak and could be the spark they’ve been searching for. With the rotation in a tough spot right now, the lineup may need to lead the way, and Thursday was a big step toward getting back on track.
What’s next?
The Twins return home to open a six-game homestand on Friday night. Joe Ryan will take the mound against highly touted Brewers pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. at Target Field.
Postgame Interviews
Coming soon
Bullpen Usage Chart
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