The night started inauspiciously for Zebby Matthews, allowing a solo homer to Joc Pederson on the second pitch. After giving up 9 runs over 3 innings in his last start, it was not a great omen. However, Matthews settled in and only allowed 3 more hits the rest of his start, tossing 7 innings, allowing no more runs, while striking out 6.
On the offensive side of things, the Twins took the lead in the 3rd inning. Kody Clemens doubled, then Christian Vazquez singled, moving Clemens to 3rd. Byron Buxton
grounded out, scoring Clemens. Later, Ryan Jeffers hit an RBI single to put the Twins up 2-1.
In the 6th, Carson McCusker drew his first career walk (and was pinch ran for by James Outman), then Brooks Lee singled. Clemens followed with another single, scoring Outman. After Vazquez was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Austin Martin grounded out to 3rd, scoring Lee and giving the Twins a 4-1 lead.
Kody Funderburk took over for Zebby in the 8th, striking out 2 in a scoreless inning. Cole Sands closed the game out, tossing a 1-2-3 9th.
This was my last game thread of the year, unless maybe MLB decides to let the Twins into the playoffs (I think it would be fun). Thanks for joining these all year, despite how the season ended up going, it was always fun to chat with you all.
Studs:
Zebby Matthews: 7.0 IP, 4 H, ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Edouard Julien: 2-2, 2B, BB
Kody Clemens: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Duds:
NO DUDS TWINS WIN!
