The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.
The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.
Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.
Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.
“I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”
Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.
The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.
As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.
Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.
“It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”
Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.
Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.
Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.
–Field Level Media
