Game Recap: Twins 0, Boston 4

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Sonny Gray looked like he was going to have a good day against the Red Sox. Gray, who has a 1-6 record against the Red Sox, managed a quick one, two, three inning, with the help of the defense and striking out Bogaerts looking. Verdugo, who typically doesn’t hit  against right handers was put on the line-up and against Gray’s what was supposed to be cutter ended up right in the sweet spot for Verdugo to crush the ball into right field giving Boston the initial lead of the day with a two-run home run. 

Gray, who had been a bit behind the count in the first two innings seemed to struggle a bit more and called out the training staff and Rocco Baldelli after a pitch to Bobby Dalbec. During his release, Sonny hopped off the mound grabbing and massaging his right hamstring. He took himself off the mound bringing in Josh Winder. 

Nick Gordon, who seems to be trending in the upward trajectory with the club, got things going in the top of the third making it to third base, but was stranded after a double-play from Jeffers and a dribbled hit from Arraez. Tanner Houck, who does struggle to place his pitches in the zone, gave the Twins opportunities to get some runs, the offense just couldn’t seem to capitalize on opportunities.  leaving the Twins shut out in game two of the series. 

Winder got a fresh start in the third inning, only gave up two hits, but consequently one of those hits ended up being a two run home-run to Bogaert. Winder didn’t give up anymore runs and continued to find his stride with some walks and hits, and got out of another potentially messy fourth inning when Gordon trailed and caught a fly ball hit deep by Jackie Bradley, Jr and closed out the inning. 

Winder, who is normally a starter has had some weird starts coming in as a mid-reliever first in the Dodgers series and now Boston. He stayed consistent and while the outings he got were less than perfect, he was able to get out of them showing why he is a perfect match for this rotation and club. Winder ended the day with 66 pitches, 5.1 IP, 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 errors, 1 walk and 2 strikes. He did an amazing job. 

Trevor Larnach seemed to have a good day, getting two hits and breaking his 0-5 hitting streak getting a single before getting out on a double-play from Gio Urshela. His next at-bat Larnach hit again deep to center, bouncing off the green monster for a double before being pulled with a pinch-runner, only to be left stranded again by another substandard at-bat by Urshela. 

The Twins just could not get the bats going against the Boston pitching, but there are still two games left in this series and the guys could finish with at least a split. 
 

What’s Next? 

The Twins will continue their series at home with the Boston Red Sox tomorrow at 12:35ct with Bailey Ober going against Michael Wacha.

Postgame Interview (Bally Sports Tweets)

Coming soon.