Archive for game logs from previous seasons.
The Twins have kind of had the Rangers' number so far. That's fun.
Tonight, we're going to see that dominance put to the test, because does anyone REALLY believe in Dallas Keuchel? Hopefully, he gnoshes on enough innings tonight that the bullpen isn't taxed and that the offense can keep them in it.
In a rematch of the one game Texas took last week, Max Scherzer pitches against Joe Ryan. I think this was the game Texas won. I can't be bothered to double check.
With the moves Cleveland made to bolster their pitching, the season seems to have taken on a bit of a desperate tone. Starting a big series against the 1st 2nd 3rd place Rangers, with Scherzer on the mound, makes it all feel even more dire. This is the fun baseball - the games that seem to really count. A win tonight would feel huge.
And maybe that's what this year's team has really been about - the feelings. They go through stretches that feel way more brutal than they actual are. They go through stretches that feel way more amazing then they actual are. The feelings on this team are ratched up to 11, somehow. It strikes me as way different than a lot of the past iterations.
And I'm kind of good with it. At least, that's how I feel right now.
Tanner Bibee
vs
Sonny Gray
Day game alert!
Final game of an almost 12-game homestand. A loss today guarantees the Twins pick ahead of the Giants on the waiver wire. The Diamondbacks play the Dodgers tonight so not counting on them winning that. I'd still prefer a win to keep the Guardians well behind in the standings and make the division look a tiny bit less sad.
Twins back up to six games over .500. Seems like every time they have met that milestone this season the Twins go into a minor tailspin. Fortunately it appears that the Guardians are at the "put an X on each day of the calendar stage" of the season and are just looking forward to the time when they don't have to spend their days in Cleveland.
Pablo Lopez on the mound for the Twins and he has been the ace of the staff over the latter half of the summer and probably gets the game one start in the playoffs. Someone called Gavin Williams for the Guardians and he's coming off a 7 runs in 4.1 innings outing last week. Here's hoping he loads the bases for Royce Lewis.
Game time at 6:40 for a very nice night to be at the ballpark. Magic number is 24 (22 for Detroit) so we could be celebrating a Central Division champions belt in the next couple of weeks.
After the improbable win against the Rangers yesterday, the Cleveland Guardians of the Galaxy come to town for a three game series to close out the month. The Twins currently have a 6.0 game lead in the division, so hopefully they use this opportunity to pull away. Curry is on the mound for the Guards (I think I know, but I'll let you try to pronounce his first game). He's only made a few starts this year, but has been decent enough. Most likely should be plenty to put away this lineup.
We hit the road after this (to play the Rangers... and the Guardians?) so let's get some wins!
Jordan Montgomery
vs
Bailey Ober
Game in progress. Scoreless top of the first.
Dane Dunning
vs
Sonny Gray
The egress window must have defeated Philo today so you get a short game log tonight.
Scoreless top of the first is better progress than yesterday's game.
So, Gleeman has probably been the most vocal among the chattering class when it comes to the Twins failing to beef up the bullpen at the trade deadline. That decision to stand pat on the bullpen is looking worse in the rearview mirror all the time. The only pitcher we got was Floro, and we've seen how much help he's been. And can we talk about Carlos Correa? I've reached a point where I dread seeing him come to bat with runners on base because I just can't bear to watch him get paid another $58,000 to ground into another rally-killing double play. Honestly, I've secretly started hoping he'll just strike out in those situations instead.
Pablo Lopez is back on the mound for the Twins today. As frustrating as the bullpen has been lately, the rotation is turning in one solid performance after another (with the occasional outlier). Pablo's got a 9-6 record, a 3.51 ERA, and 187 strikeouts on the season. The Rangers counter with southpaw Andrew Heaney, and we all know about our struggles with lefthanders. He's also 9-6 with a 4.27 ERA and 122 strikeouts. Hopefully the boys are all rehydrated and ready to go after yesterday's matinee in the sauna.
Play ball!
Kenta Maeda
vs
Corbin Burnes
I'm convinced the Twins cannot be more than six games above .500. If they win a bunch, then they will need to lose a bunch to never be too far above .500. They're back to +4 games so a win is again safe.
The extremely short "road" trip ends today. Texas is next on the schedule so they can bank some losses before the Guardians visit.
The second two-game, mid-week series of the season against the Brewers starts today in Milwaukee in what used to be called Miller Park. Although the temps seem to be moderate, Milwaukee is still under a heat warning (humidity?) so I am sure the roof will be closed.
Bailey Ober up for the Twins. I really like the season he is having, especially his 1k per inning stat and the fact that he throws one walk for every five strikeouts. I doubt he will start a playoff game, but could see him in a high leverage relief effort there. (I know I'm getting ahead of myself). Wade Miley on for the Brewers and he's not a high strikeout pitcher but I am sure the Twins will help him there.
Brewers having a nice little season this year with a lead in the NL Central. Should be a fun two games.
First pitch at 7:10.
