MINNESOTA 5 -- TAMPA BAY 4
Twins Record: 5- 9
Lowest WPA - Hendriks (5.2 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 2 BB, SO)
Highest WPA - Willingham (1 for 4, 2B, BB, 3 RBI), Carroll (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2B), Bullpen (3.1 IP, O H, 1 BB, 2 SO)
Fangraphs - MLB Recap
--------------------
Denard Span and Jamey Carroll were on base 6 times in this one (1 double, 3 singles, 2 walks in 10 PA) and scored 4 runs. Joe Mauer could have driven in all 5 runs, but left the bases loaded for Willingham in the 7th because Josh is new to the team and wants to feel like he's contributing. AmenableBacon extended his hitting streak to 14 games, and continues to lead the team in quite a few offensive categories (BA/OBP/SLG/HR/RBI/2B/R/TB/HBP).
The bullpen was stellar getting 13 outs in 14 batters, including Matt Capps retiring Longoria, Scott, and Joyce in order in the ninth. Fun fact: Coming into the 9th, those three hitters hit a homerun every 15.9 PA against the Twins, compared to every 22.7 PA against all other teams. That includes the homeruns by Joyce and Longoria earlier in this game.
The Twins April schedule has been pretty tough, but since being steamrolled by the Orioles, the Twins are 5-6 against LA, Tex, NY, and TB.
That last sentence
actuallyalmost brings a tear of joy.I wish we were using DPWY's WPA instead; Liam would be replaced by 'Lexi.
I've noticed that the Twins are 2nd in the AL in fewest BB allowed. Nice to see us back in that mode again (F-Bomb excepted).
In copying that first bit over from previous gamelogs I noticed - 3 Friday games, and every time the starter has given up 4 runs (and been in the low WPA category)
It's a trend -- we've got our over/under now, folks!
Twins relievers have a 3.69 ERA with just 11 walks in 46 1/3 innings. The Ks are too low, but still better than the starters.
keeping the ball down, pitching to contact.