2022 Game 26: Twins at Orioles

I recall several years ago when the Twins were good and we would go on these fairly long winning streaks, but we also managed to limit our losing streaks to no more than a few games. That trend seems to be repeating so far this year, with the team's longest winning streak hitting seven games, and their longest losing streak ending after two mere defeats. We had four of those two-game losing streaks in the first two weeks of the season, and none since. The pitching staff has been outstanding, the offense is scoring more than four runs a game, and the defense has been solid. One has to wonder, just based on historical precedent,  when the feces will eventually  impact the rotary oscillator. We're already starting to see some injuries whittling into the roster, and I guess if that's what it takes to get a guy batting .090 out of the lineup I'll take it. But despite my natural inclinations I'm trying cockeyed optimism on for size. Maybe this will be the year after all.

Chris Archer on the mound tonight for the Twins, he's in his tenth major league season. He has no decisions in four starts, a respectable 2.93 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts. He needs to limit the walks, he's given 9 free passes so far, but otherwise the status quo is just fine by me.

Baltimore sends Spenser Watkins out to sling for the final matchup of this four-game series. He also has no decisions in four starts, a 2.55 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 8 strikeouts. The only Twins hitter to ever face Watkins is Gio Urshela, who faced off with him once and did not record a hit.

Play ball!

Happy Birthday–May 5

Chief Bender (1884)
Bob Cerv (1926)
Bing Russell (1926)
Red Robbins (1928)
Jose Pagan (1935)
Tommy Helms (1941)
John Donaldson (1943)
Larry Hisle (1947)
Joe Angel (1948)
Ron Oester (1956)
Charles Nagy (1967)
Hideki Irabu (1969)
Mike Redmond (1971)

Better known for his role as Deputy Clem Foster on “Bonanza”, outfielder Bing Russell played minor league baseball from 1948-1949.  He is the father of actor (and minor league player) Kurt Russell and the grandfather of major league player Matt Franco.

Spencer “Red” Robbins was a minor league player for fourteen years.  He then spent many years in the Twins’ organization, most of them as a scout (1963-1986).

Joe Angel was a broadcaster for the Twins from 1984-1986.

Today we also salute Eddie Mayo, Jackie Mayo, and Mayo Smith.  Sadly, there has never been a major league ballplayer named "Cinco".  However, baseball-reference.com says that Johnny Cueto's nickname is Cinco.

 We would also like to wish a happy birthday to Mrs. Rhubarb_Runner.

Continue reading Happy Birthday–May 5