At least one Twin Cities resident might be pulling for the San Diego Padres when they take on the Minnesota Twins in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
That would be Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who grew up near San Diego and played football at San Diego State. He still follows the Padres, and on Saturday he headed to the ballpark for a pregame visit with Padres manager Mike Shildt and others with the team.
“It was really nice to catch up with him and talk to him,” Shildt said. “One of the conversations was about — as coaches tend to do — you talk about culture and your glue guys. He made an amazing — but not overly amazing to me — but a really clear observation about Manny (Machado) and just how consistent he’s been and how solid he’s been and how he goes about his business.
“I was thankful that Manny was able to come over and he was also able to share that with Manny. It just speaks well that people that observe and see the game have an appreciation for it.”
Machado responded by surpassing 1,000 career hits with the Padres, who routed the Twins 12-3 to even the series at one win apiece. The veteran infielder finished 2-for-4 with his 79th RBI of the season.
Shildt described Machado as a team leader who has played a vital role in this season’s success. The Padres are 16 games above .500 and have their sights set on making a run in October.
“The thing that I appreciate about Manny of many, many things is yes, it’s about the play, it’s about the 1,000 hits, it’s about all the accomplishments that take place on the field. Let’s don’t kid ourselves, but it’s also about the consistency of how you go about it and how you demonstrate with your actions and your words matching,” Shildt said. “That’s as big a thing (as anything).
“Because this game is challenging. You’re not always going to be successful at the game, but you can be successful at how you go about your business.”
Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (12-7, 3.22 ERA) will try to slow Machado and the Padres in the series finale. Ryan is looking to bounce back from a pair of bumpy starts in which he has allowed 11 runs over his past nine innings.
In his one career start against the Padres, in 2022, Ryan allowed 10 runs in 4 2/3 innings for a 19.29 ERA and was tagged with the 10-1 loss.
The Padres will counter with rookie right-hander David Morgan (1-2, 2.95 ERA), who will serve as the opener. Morgan has started only one game this season to go with 33 relief appearances, and he allowed one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings against the Twins in relief on Friday.
Look for Minnesota to stay aggressive on the basepaths if they reach against Morgan and other Padres pitchers. The Twins are out of the playoff race and feature a number of younger players who are looking to prove themselves for next season and beyond by pushing the pace whenever they can.
“I think that’s a great way to play,” Twins outfielder Trevor Larnach said. “Up and down the lineup, guys have great at-bats, they’re running first to third, stealing bags. I think it’s fun.”
–Field Level Media
