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The Minnesota Twins entered Thursday looking to take back control of the driver's seat in their series against the Kansas City Royals after suffering a 4-0 shutout loss on Wednesday at the hands of old friend Randy Dobnak.
The Twins would continue to struggle in the early innings of today's matchup.
Austin Martin drew a seven-pitch walk in the first inning against Kansas City starter Noah Cameron, but it did not amount to anything as Ryan Jeffers grounded out to third base while Royce Lewis struck out swinging.
The next few innings were about the same for Minnesota's offense with no one getting on base. This would pave the way for the Royals to go up 2-0 in the third as Jac Caglianone crushed an 82-mph slider to right field for a two-run homer.
John Rave continued the onslaught in the fifth with a double that paved the way for Carter Jensen to reach home for Kansas City's third run of the game off a throwing error by Kody Clemens.
The Twins' bats remained dormant until Brooks Lee walked in the sixth. Minnesota then appeared to have caught a break with a wild pitch by Cameron that allowed Lee to advance to third.
Unfortunately though, a groundout by Martin would spoil the short-lived rally.
However, Clemens redeemed himself in a big way during the bottom of the ninth. His opportunity came once a hit by pitch on Jeffers, Lewis' single and a walk by Josh Bell loaded the bases.
Down two strikes and with one out remaining, Clemens pounced on an 82-mph slider by reliever Matt Strahm to right center, sparking delight among the Target Field-faithful and putting the Twins back at .500.
Clemens' grand slam also made history as the 34th "ultimate grand slam", one that is hit by a ball club down three runs.
“That's stuff that you dream about, stuff like that, when you're a little kid,” Clemens said, according to MLB.com. “That's what you envision doing.”
Furthermore, today provided a much-needed spark for the 30-year-old first baseman who is batting .244 while recording 85 hits, 53 RBI and 19 home runs. Clemens has also drawn 23 walks while logging a .300 on-base percentage and .793 OPS.
Clemens has delivered in the clutch during other key matchups for Minnesota, including the team's matchup against the Athletics on July 26, going 3-for-5 at the plate while knocking in an RBI.
Now, Clemens and the Twins will turn their attention to a three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners who rank third in the AL West and have gone 53-56 overall.
“The belief in every player in the lineup for me is so immense, and it’s for real, man. And it shows why,” said Lewis. “I just knew that we were going to get the job done."
Continue reading...
The Twins would continue to struggle in the early innings of today's matchup.
Austin Martin drew a seven-pitch walk in the first inning against Kansas City starter Noah Cameron, but it did not amount to anything as Ryan Jeffers grounded out to third base while Royce Lewis struck out swinging.
The next few innings were about the same for Minnesota's offense with no one getting on base. This would pave the way for the Royals to go up 2-0 in the third as Jac Caglianone crushed an 82-mph slider to right field for a two-run homer.
John Rave continued the onslaught in the fifth with a double that paved the way for Carter Jensen to reach home for Kansas City's third run of the game off a throwing error by Kody Clemens.
The Twins' bats remained dormant until Brooks Lee walked in the sixth. Minnesota then appeared to have caught a break with a wild pitch by Cameron that allowed Lee to advance to third.
Unfortunately though, a groundout by Martin would spoil the short-lived rally.
However, Clemens redeemed himself in a big way during the bottom of the ninth. His opportunity came once a hit by pitch on Jeffers, Lewis' single and a walk by Josh Bell loaded the bases.
Down two strikes and with one out remaining, Clemens pounced on an 82-mph slider by reliever Matt Strahm to right center, sparking delight among the Target Field-faithful and putting the Twins back at .500.
Clemens' grand slam also made history as the 34th "ultimate grand slam", one that is hit by a ball club down three runs.
“That's stuff that you dream about, stuff like that, when you're a little kid,” Clemens said, according to MLB.com. “That's what you envision doing.”
Furthermore, today provided a much-needed spark for the 30-year-old first baseman who is batting .244 while recording 85 hits, 53 RBI and 19 home runs. Clemens has also drawn 23 walks while logging a .300 on-base percentage and .793 OPS.
Clemens has delivered in the clutch during other key matchups for Minnesota, including the team's matchup against the Athletics on July 26, going 3-for-5 at the plate while knocking in an RBI.
Now, Clemens and the Twins will turn their attention to a three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners who rank third in the AL West and have gone 53-56 overall.
“The belief in every player in the lineup for me is so immense, and it’s for real, man. And it shows why,” said Lewis. “I just knew that we were going to get the job done."
Continue reading...
