Twins 3, Cardinals 2: Twins Hang On to Beat the Cardinals, Increase Division Lead

We'll, that put a little salve on the wound.
Book it.

Twins make moves, acquired players don't turn into Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax, this site hates the team for it.

Twins don't make moves, probably still win a weak division, this site hates the team for it.

Whether the Twins make moves or not, they fail to beat a team who sold players by more than 20,000 runs, this site hates the team for it.

You people make me really dislike baseball, baseball fans, and my home state.

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Why is Gallo employed?

There are plenty of games you might ask this question but getting the ball deep enough to advance Jeffers from second to third led to the first run. He didn’t get credit for a sacrifice fly but we needed the ball in play there.

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Why is Gallo employed?

 Probably has something to do with being better at his job than anyone else, inside the org or outside of it, who might try to come for  his gig?

32 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

I don’t know, why?

Probably because Kiriloff is hurt; otherwise I’d think he’d be gone.    
 

BTW, third time in the past week or so, Gallo has been lifted for a pinch hitter late in the game facing a RH reliever. Btw, great move by Rocco.

But if Gallo’s here mostly because of his bat, then this is a good indication that Rocco has lost faith. Really, it is time to move on. 

Another fine pitching performance by Lopez. Let's hope he can consistently string together some more like this one. With our anemic batting, we are going to need some sharper pitching. On another note, good hit by Solano. He has been quietly productive for the team this year. 

August is here and style points don’t mean anything-it’s an ugly win and at this point in season you take them anyway you can. Most of people have forgot we increased our lead to 2 games after KC fiasco. Got bit nervous in 8th inning as well 9th but Duran got save/twins win and that’s all that matters.

A win, is a win...is a win. Ugly, but I'll take it. 

7 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Why is Gallo employed?

Egos are a powerful thing...

I'm not Rocco's biggest fan but I feel bad for the guy when it comes to Gallo. I think he does his best to keep him out of the lineup and even when he is playing, Rocco will yank him for pinch hitter in a pressure spot. But, I suspect the front office gets in his ear if Gallo gets too many DNP's and forces Rocco's hand.

I'll add that watching Lopez pitch is a lot of fun. When he's on his game, he's as good as anyone. He's absolutely the kind of pitcher that can win game 1 of playoff series - if the offense actually scores a run.

10 hours ago, USAFChief said:

What?

He gets credit for a fly ball now?

They pinch hit for him with runners on 2nd and 3rd, one out... with a RHer on the mound. 

And it's not the first time they've done it.

Think about that.

 By the way, Jeffers and the St Loius SS led to the 1st run.

I simply wanted to comment his ball in play mattered. If he strikes out as I expected there and Jeffers doesn’t get to third. 

3 hours ago, CRF said:

A win, is a win...is a win. Ugly, but I'll take it. 

That was just a good baseball game,  not ugly by any means.  A little stressful.  I am not sure we win this game without replay though.  2 overturns, and then between Gallo and Baldelli challenging the umps and they changed their minds on the missed 1st base.  Now to me whatever he call on the field was doesn't get overturned.  I think the runner just knicks the top of 1st base but there may be a better view that what they were playing on TV showing otherwise.  Giving up a home run happens,  having a 2 run lead was nice.   Pablo Lopez is the #1 #2 pitcher we have been pining for for years.  

20 minutes ago, IA Bean Counter said:

Pablo Lopez is the #1 #2 pitcher we have been pining for for years.  

Currently #58 in WAR among AL pitchers….

He did pitch very well yesterday though and here’s hoping he has a big last two months.

33 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Currently #58 in WAR among AL pitchers….

He did pitch very well yesterday though and here’s hoping he has a big last two months.

He is statistically in the same WAR as the following pitchers - Verlander Burnes, Berrios, Eflin, Alcantara, Gausman, Kirby, Cease Shrezer (.3 War difference) and I expect many more. He is pitching like a #1 to #2 pitcher.  Just needs to keep it up.  

10 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Probably because Kiriloff is hurt; otherwise I’d think he’d be gone.    
 

BTW, third time in the past week or so, Gallo has been lifted for a pinch hitter late in the game facing a RH reliever. Btw, great move by Rocco.

But if Gallo’s here mostly because of his bat, then this is a good indication that Rocco has lost faith. Really, it is time to move on. 

If Chris Williams wouldn't have taken such a nose-dive in July (the numbers are very Gallo-esque), I wonder if they would have moved on already.  I'd still roll the dice with Williams, since he had three average to excellent months otherwise.  Not to mention he's right-handed, give you another catching option, is three years younger and has the full slate of control years.

58 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Currently #58 in WAR among AL pitchers….

He did pitch very well yesterday though and here’s hoping he has a big last two months.

Fangraphs sees it differently. They have him number 11 among all staters.

38 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Because he owns a first baseman's mitt and Alex Krilloff can't swing a bat right now.

I hope you are right!! 

It was a good win, but they were playing a bad team. Twins lose game if Rocco doesn't pinch hit for Gallo since Gallo would strike out. This was almost a must win game after losing 5 in a row.