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Rockies Look to Ignite Offense vs. Twins
The Minnesota Twins’ talented 25-year-old homered in his return to the lineup last week after missing over two months with a strained quadriceps. He continued his powerful performance as the team returned home Monday, homering again.
On Tuesday night, Lewis aims to continue his hot streak as Minnesota seeks back-to-back wins over the Colorado Rockies to start their three-game series.
Lewis Powers Twins to Victory
The Twins secured the series opener 5-0, thanks to three runs in the eighth inning. Lewis contributed significantly with a 435-foot, two-run shot to left-center field, marking his fourth home run in just seven games this season.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised Lewis for his impressive return.
“It’s impressive,” Baldelli said. “But (it’s) nothing that would shock you at this point. He’s a very dangerous hitter. A lot of swings that he takes, they’re on a really good plane, and the bat moves really fast. His hands move fast. You feel like every swing, something good could happen for your team.”
Rockies’ Offensive Struggles
In contrast, the Rockies are desperately seeking a spark in their lineup. They managed only six hits in the series opener and were shut out for the eighth time this season. The team has lost two consecutive games and eight of their last ten.
Rockies manager Bud Black offered a clear explanation for his hitters’ struggles against Twins right-hander Chris Paddack.
“We couldn’t get to the high fastball, and we couldn’t get to the low secondary pitches,” Black said.
Upcoming Pitching Duel
The Twins plan to call up right-hander Louie Varland (0-4, 9.18 ERA) to start the second game of the series. Varland struggled in his initial four starts before being demoted to Triple-A St. Paul. He will make the short trip back to the majors, hoping for a stronger performance.
The 26-year-old Varland has never faced the Rockies but holds a 1-2 record with a 6.04 ERA in five games (four starts) against interleague opponents.
The Rockies will counter with right-hander Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.58), set to make his 14th start of the season. Quantrill leads the team in victories and innings pitched (73) and ranks second with 51 strikeouts.
Quantrill is coming off a solid performance against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched five scoreless innings. In his career, Quantrill boasts a 5-0 record with a 3.23 ERA in 11 games (eight starts) against Minnesota. He has walked 13 and struck out 38 in 53 innings.
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Injury Concerns for Rockies
The Rockies might be without catcher Elias Diaz, who exited Monday’s game with a calf strain. Black described Diaz’s status as day-to-day and indicated that it wasn’t a new issue.
“(Diaz) has been feeling it for a couple weeks and he’s been able to manage it, but today on that particular ground ball out of the box, it got him,” Black said. “We’ll see in a couple days. (Head trainer) Keith (Dugger) wants to treat it for a day or two and see where we are. It’s a blow.”
