The Twins jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 1st thanks to Josh Bell’s 17th homer of the year. That came with Ryan Jeffers on base to put them up 2-0.
Over the following four innings Tyler Mahle and Zebby Matthews traded zeros. A couple double plays grounded into by the Twins stifled rallies, and Zebby scattered a few hits and a walk. In the top of the 6th, Drake Baldwin hit a solo homer to left to finally put the Braves on the board. Two outs later, Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies hit back to back singles. That prompted Derek Shelton to turn to Kody Funderburk out of the bullpen, who got Lane Thomas to strike out to end the threat.
It was around this time in the game that a bat appeared in the sky, and I like to think it sparked something for the Twins. In the bottom of the 8th, a couple of singles put Ryan Jeffers at the plate with 2 on and 1 out. He promptly lined a ball into the gap in right center, scoring Kaelen Culpepper and Byron Buxton to make it a 4-1 game.
Funderburk was followed by Andrew Morris and A.J. Minter in the 6th and 7th innings, who both threw shutout innings. In the top of the 9th, Yoendrys Gomez allowed a double but no runs for the save, as the Twins take game two of this series, clinching a series win. They’ll try for a sweep tomorrow with Taj Bradley on the mound.
Studs:
Josh Bell: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
Ryan Jeffers: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B
Zebby Matthews: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Duds:
NO DUDS TWIMS WIM!