Twins 4, Astros 1: Elbow Scares Never Turn Out Well, But Joe Ryan is Built Different

Box Score
SP: Joe Ryan - 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K (99 pitches, 71 strikes (72% strikes)
Home Runs: Ryan Kriedler (3)
3 WPA: Ryan Kreidler (0.24); Joe Ryan (0.20); Victor Caratini (0.11)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

The rubber match of a series against the Astros Wednesday afternoon was also getaway day, and the telling contest of a nine-game homestand. The Twins had won one series and lost the next, and entered Wednesday needing a win to go 5-4 before heading out on a 10-game road trip.

Two Ryan Experiences for the Price of One
Joe Ryan gave up three singles to the bottom of Houston’s lineup in the top of the 2nd, allowing the Astros to strike first on an RBI single from former Twin Christian Vázquez. Houston grabbed the early lead, but the Twins answered immediately with a (looong) solo home run from Victor Caratini to tie the game at 1-1.

Both before and after that blip, however, Ryan looked much more like himself. While his pitch count continued to climb, he worked out of several jams and racked up nine strikeouts through six innings, looking more confident with every trip to the mound. The Twins took control in the fourth inning with a three-run homer from Ryan Kriedler, extending the lead to 4-1 heading into the fifth. Kreidler had an execrable offensive track record in the majors before this season, but he's thriving in his part-time role with the Twins this year.

Ryan finished six innings and told Audra Martin afterward that one of the things he appreciates most is his defense, pointing specifically to James Outman’s diving catch for the final out of the fourth inning. Ryan also joked about former teammate Vázquez being the lone hitter to drive in a run against him. Since leaving his start on May 3 with elbow soreness after facing just two batters, he's not only managed to stay in the rotation, but been dazzling. It's a huge relief, in a year when every other player who reports some minor malady seems to land on the injured list for months.

It's a Team Effort
Kody Clemens has become an important piece of the lineup, filling multiple roles defensively. Against Houston, he started in right field and finished at first base. Derek Shelton commented before the game that Clemens has been “a net positive at every defensive position he’s played,” while also allowing other players to get needed rest without sacrificing defense. Clemens has also continued to improve offensively, hitting .240 with a .754 overall OPS—his best production to date.

There were no more runs for either side after the fourth inning, and the bullpens set up to battle it out, both sides needing the win.

Strong Bullpen Appearance
Yoendrys Gómez relieved Ryan in the seventh and struck out three straight hitters, preserving the cushion and allowing the offense to avoid grinding through every at-bat. The Twins have played in 10 one-run games this season and won only three of them, making any lead larger than one especially valuable.

The bullpen still brings some uncertainty, but lately the starters have been delivering longer, more effective outings, giving the relievers room to breathe instead of being overused on a nightly basis. Gómez returned for the eighth inning and looked a little less sharp than he did in the seventh, but still managed to post a zero and keep the Twins in control. 

Andrew Morris closed things out with a 10-pitch save, the first of his career. He's settling ever more into a standard, high-leverage relief role, and is one symbol of the rising promise of this roster.

What’s Next?
The Twins have a day off on Thursday in Boston, after which they'll begin a 10-day road trip. Their first contest at Fenway Park begins at 6:10 PM CT on Friday. The Twins will send Connor Prielipp to the mound (1-2, 2.88 ERA), facing Payton Tolle (2-2, .205 ERA), 

Postgame Interviews 

Bullpen Availability Chart