With the scene set, a lively pitching duel unfolded during the second of three matchups between Minnesota and Kansas City to kick off the season. The game remained tightly contested until the Twins surged ahead in the late innings, securing a 5-1 victory over the Royals.
Making his debut for the Royals, starter Seth Lugo continued his impressive form from the 2023 season. He delivered six scoreless innings, conceding only two hits and a single walk while striking out four batters across 86 pitches. Lugo’s performance showcased his potential as a valuable addition to Kansas City’s roster, crucial to their competitive aspirations for 2024.
On the other side, Joe Ryan showcased his skills by hitting speeds of up to 96 mph in an effective start. With nine swings and misses and a precise splitter, Ryan navigated through 5.1 innings, yielding a couple of doubles to Bobby Witt, Jr. Despite these hits, Ryan managed to limit the damage. His outing, which included three hits, a walk, and five strikeouts, followed Pablo Lopez’s dominant Opening Day display, albeit marred by an earned run surrendered by Steven Okert in his Twins debut.
After the Royals took a 1-0 lead, Minnesota swiftly responded. A sequence of events involving a hit-by-pitch, a sharp single, and another hit-by-pitch loaded the bases for Christian Vazquez. However, a double play concluded the inning, thwarting the Twins’ scoring opportunity momentarily.
The momentum shifted in the eighth inning when Edouard Julien’s double kickstarted a productive inning for the Twins. Byron Buxton’s hustle double drove in a run, tying the game and energizing the team and fans alike. Subsequent defensive plays, including a successful throw by Vazquez and a spectacular effort by Carlos Correa, maintained the Twins’ momentum.
The ninth inning proved decisive as the Twins unleashed an offensive onslaught, securing a comfortable victory after a fiercely contested game. Brock Stewart closed out the game in the ninth, sealing Minnesota’s second consecutive win against the Royals to start the season on a high note.
The Twins will aim for a sweep in the upcoming game, with Bailey Ober set to make his 2024 debut. As they seek to maintain their positive momentum and establish an early lead in the division race, the Twins are poised for continued success throughout the season.
Looking forward to the next game! GO TWINS GO!
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Starting Pitcher Joe Ryan (5.1 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 5 K)
- Relief Pitcher Brock Stewart (1 IP, 3 K)
- Center Fielder Byron Buxton (2-for-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI)
- Catcher Christian Vazquez (1-for-4, R, RBI, 8th-inning CS of Witt, Jr.)
NO CRITICISMS! TWINS TRIUMPH! TWINS TRIUMPH!