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Twins’ even-keeled approach paying off vs. Athletics
The Minnesota Twins, under the calm leadership of manager Rocco Baldelli, have been showing off their resilience and steady play as they continue their series against the Oakland Athletics. After clinching the first two games, including a thrilling 6-5 victory in 10 innings on Friday, the Twins are aiming to keep their winning streak alive in the third game of this four-game series.
Twins’ Resilient Approach
Manager’s Philosophy
Rocco Baldelli’s leadership style is all about keeping cool and collected, which helps the team stay focused no matter what’s happening on the field. Baldelli praised his players for their ability to keep grinding, attributing this mindset to the strong leadership within the clubhouse.
Comeback Victory
Friday’s 6-5 win was a perfect example of the Twins’ resilience. They overcame a 4-0 deficit to pull off a comeback victory in extra innings. Baldelli highlighted how crucial it is to never give up, which was clearly on display during their rally.
Max Kepler’s Heroics
Crucial Hits
Max Kepler was the hero of Friday’s game, smashing a game-tying three-run homer in the sixth inning and then delivering the walk-off hit in the 10th. Kepler’s clutch performance was key in the Twins’ win, as he finished the game 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
Team Effort
Kepler credited the team’s focus on staying present and supporting each other. He emphasized the collective effort to keep pushing and playing hard, which has been a hallmark of their recent games.
Athletics’ Struggles
Losing Streak
The Athletics are in the midst of a tough seven-game losing streak, plagued by missed opportunities and fundamental mistakes. Manager Mark Kotsay pointed out that the team has struggled to execute plays and maintain leads, which has been a major issue.
Manager’s Perspective
Kotsay acknowledged the effort from his players but stressed the need for better execution to turn those efforts into wins. He noted that when the team was closing games effectively, they were playing solid defense and extending their leads.
Pitching Matchup
Bailey Ober for the Twins
Bailey Ober (5-4, 5.13 ERA) will be taking the mound for the Twins. He’s looking to bounce back after a tough outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he allowed four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Ober has had success against the Athletics before, pitching five scoreless innings in his only career start against them.
Joey Estes for the Athletics
Joey Estes (2-2, 4.78 ERA) will start for the Athletics. Estes had a rough game last time out against the San Diego Padres, giving up three runs on eight hits over five innings. His previous start against the Twins was a no-decision, where he allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Twins’ even-keeled approach under manager Rocco Baldelli has been the key to their recent success. As they face the Oakland Athletics in the third game of their series, the Twins are looking to continue their winning streak, fueled by standout performances from players like Max Kepler. Meanwhile, the Athletics need to tighten up their execution and fundamentals to break their losing streak. The pitching matchup between Bailey Ober and Joey Estes will be critical in determining the outcome of this game.
