Twins Game Recap (7/28): Bats Bounce Back Behind Gibson’s Strong Outing

Box Score

Gibson: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 68.8% strikes (66 of 96 pitches)

Bullpen: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Home Runs: Polanco (16), Sano (18), Schoop (16), Kepler (28)

Multi-Hit Games: Polanco (2-for-5), Cruz (2-for-5), Sano (3-for-4), Kepler (2-for-5)

Top 3 WPA: Polanco (.130), Sano (.124), Gibson (.106)

Solid start for the offense

After a rough game yesterday, the Twins offense got off to the best start possible, scoring five runs before there was even an out recorded. Max Kepler doubled, Polanco homered, Cruz singled, Arraez singled, and Sano homered before the White Sox had to pull Dylan Covey after 14 pitches.

https://twitter.com/Twins/status/1155546068156895233

The offense was stifled a bit for the next two innings, but the fourth inning had a nice two out rally. Kepler reached on an error, Polanco singled and then Cruz drove them both in with a big double to left field.

Gibson cruises into the sixth

Twins starter Kyle Gibson went five solid innings, giving up four total baserunners and striking out five before he started to struggle in the sixth. It was 9-0 in favor of the Twins at the time, so Gibson was left in to work out of his mess and he did just fine. The inning started with a single, walk, single, single, and then a clutch called strikeout (thanks Angel Hernandez). Gibson was able to ride that wave and strike out the next two batters to leave the inning still leading 9-1.

The offense was able to get that run back and then some with a couple of two run bombs from Max Kepler and Jonathan Schoop.

https://twitter.com/fsnorth/status/1155566783786393601

The Twins bullpen finishes off the game strong

After a strange sixth inning from Gibson, the bullpen came in and did it’s job. It started with Ryne Harper in the 7th, Tyler Duffey in the 8th and future reliever of the year Sean Poppen to finish it off. They threw a perfect three innings and tacked on one strikeout each to put this game and series to rest on a good note. The Twins bullpen has been getting better lately and with the addition of Sergio Romo it only gets better from here.

Twins head into off day with two game division lead

The Twins won the game by a final score of 11-1 and there was really no doubt at any point. The Twins were able to come up huge this series by taking three of four in Chicago. Not only did the Twins win, but the Indians lost so the Twins were able to get that game back and will head into tomorrow’s off day with a two game lead over Cleveland.

As the deadline nears, the Twins look like they will continue to add to their pitching staff after the Sergio Romo upgrade. The deadline is at 3:00 P.M Central time on Wednesday so keep checking back here for updates.

Twins win!

https://twitter.com/Twins/status/1155591885274177538

https://twitter.com/Twins/status/1155585145946169344

Postgame With Baldelli

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

Click here for a review of the number of pitches thrown by each member of the bullpen over the past five days.