The Minnesota Twins recently secured a series win against the Philadelphia Phillies, who hold the best record in the majors, highlighting their resilience and determination. This victory, marked by a thrilling 5-4 win with a walk-off infield single by Max Kepler, underscored the Twins’ ability to compete despite numerous injuries. Kepler praised the team’s effort, emphasizing the significance of their perseverance amid adversity.
The Twins are set to face the Detroit Tigers in a weekend series, potentially bolstered by the return of infielders Royce Lewis and Jose Miranda from the injured list. Lewis, who has been sidelined since July 2 due to a right adductor strain, and Miranda, out since July 11 with a lower back injury, could provide crucial offensive support. Lewis, a promising young hitter, has shown impressive power in his limited appearances, while Miranda was hitting .325 before his injury.
Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed pride in his team’s recent performance, particularly their ability to rebound and compete against strong opponents. The Twins, who stumbled slightly against Milwaukee post-All-Star break, demonstrated their tenacity and teamwork against Philadelphia.
Right-hander Pablo Lopez, with a record of 8-7 and a 4.86 ERA, will start the series opener against Detroit. Lopez delivered a strong performance in his last outing, holding Milwaukee to one run over seven innings. However, his past encounters with Detroit have been mixed, with a 1-2 record and a 4.24 ERA, including a loss earlier this season.
Detroit will counter with rookie right-hander Keider Montero, who has struggled recently, allowing five earned runs in his last two starts. Despite this, Montero managed a victory against the Twins on July 3, showcasing his potential when on form. The Tigers, coming off a 4-3 road trip and a split series with Cleveland, aim to build on their recent positive momentum. Manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the team’s imperfections but commended their consistent effort and enjoyment of the game.
