Minnesota News Network

  • Home
  • MNN Reporter Team
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Crime & Court
    • Health
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Weather & Natural Disaster
  • Sports
    • Gophers
    • Twins
    • Wild
    • Timberwolves & Lynx
    • Vikings
  • Minnesota Matters
  • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support
You are here: Home / Sports / Twins at Texas tonight

Twins at Texas tonight

July 8, 2016 By Minnesota News Network

twins2The way they’re going lately, the Minnesota Twins might want to skip the All-Star break and keep playing.

The Twins have won five out of six for the first time this season after taking the opener of a four-game set at Texas. The second game of the series that leads into the All-Star break is Friday night at Globe Life Park.

Three of those wins have come over the Rangers, who continue to own the best record in the American League at 53-34 despite five losses in last six.

Minnesota (30-55) has outscored the Rangers 32-10 in those three games, all coming since Saturday. The Twins pounded out 18 hits in Thursday’s 10-1 win, including three home runs.

They’re certainly enjoying the recent reversal of fortune.

“It’s awesome,” said Max Kepler, who has six homers in his last 17 games. “It’s everything we ask for in a team. Most of all, we’re all having fun. Everyone is picking each other up. No one is trying to do too much.”

The Twins look to continue their uptick in a rematch of Sunday’s matchup between Kyle Gibson and Texas ace Cole Hamels.

Gibson (2-5, 4.82 ERA) beat the Rangers in that one, after going 6 2/3 innings, surrendering two earned run on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

He has thrown at least six innings in each of his last four starts (Twins are 3-1), and Minnesota pitchers overall have six quality starts in the last seven games.

molitor

Molitor

“It’s been a lot about the starting pitching,” Twins manager Paul Molitor said. “We came close to putting up another shutout today. Guys are pitching better from top to bottom.”

The Rangers are hoping for a strong outing out of Hamels. They sure could use one.

Texas starters have been shelled lately, especially during a stretch that’s seen five losses in the last six games. No starter has lasted more than 4 2/3 innings in any of those losses, with each allowing at least four runs.

“We can’t continue to cover four or five innings from the bullpen every single night,” Texas manager Jeff Banister said. “We’re going to find a way. I promise you we’re going to evaluate every situation. We’ll find a way. We’ll figure out just how we’re going better off the mound in a starting role.”

Banister said there is no magic formula to turn things around.

“Stomping my feel, screaming and yelling aren’t going to do much good,” he said. “There are a number of messages that can be delivered to individuals. The bottom line is we’ve got to be better. We have to be better. We’ve been really good some stretches.”

Hamels (9-2, 2.93 ERA) could help stem the tide, but even he’s coming off this worst start of the season. The All-Star gave up five runs in four-inning stint at Minnesota on Sunday.

Hamels is seeking to become first Texas pitcher with 10 wins prior to the All-Star break since Matt Harrison (11-4) and Yu Darvish (10-5) in 2012.

Texas’ injury-riddled staff isn’t likely going to get any reinforcements internally anytime soon. Of the three starters on the shelf, Yu Darvish is the closest to returning, but he’s probably three rehab starts away from rejoining the rotation.

“It has been a challenge,” Banister said.

The Rangers are in the market for starting pitching as the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

Texas should get first baseman Mitch Moreland back on Friday. He’s missed the last five games with tightness in his right calf muscle.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Sports

compeer financial celebrates beef month

compeer financial celebrates beef month

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Minnesota News Network Follow 12,768 1,275

Long time legendary statewide network providing relevant award-winning news/sports/ag information & compelling audio content to 100+ radio stations in Minnesota

MinnesotaRadio
MinnesotaRadio avatar; Minnesota News Network @MinnesotaRadio ·
15 Sep 1702692643703070784

‘Minnesota Matters 9-15-23’ by Learfield News Ag is on #SoundCloud

Twitter feed video.
Reply on Twitter 1702692643703070784 Retweet on Twitter 1702692643703070784 0 Like on Twitter 1702692643703070784 1 Twitter 1702692643703070784
Retweet on Twitter Minnesota News Network Retweeted
TalkNorthPod avatar; Talk North @TalkNorthPod ·
13 Sep 1701928965232075185

The Go Gopher Podcast with Mike Grimm - Episode #87

With @dragan_serb8, who booted the game-winning kick to open the season!

BTYB:

@sunbeltmidwest
From Aquarius Home Services Studio
True North M&A
@InsureChamplin
@Affinity_Plus
@HeadFlyerBrew
@cubfoods

Reply on Twitter 1701928965232075185 Retweet on Twitter 1701928965232075185 2 Like on Twitter 1701928965232075185 3 Twitter 1701928965232075185
MinnesotaRadio avatar; Minnesota News Network @MinnesotaRadio ·
8 Sep 1700150244091019334

‘Minnesota Matters 9-8-23’ by Learfield News Ag is on #SoundCloud

Twitter feed video.
Reply on Twitter 1700150244091019334 Retweet on Twitter 1700150244091019334 0 Like on Twitter 1700150244091019334 3 Twitter 1700150244091019334
MinnesotaRadio avatar; Minnesota News Network @MinnesotaRadio ·
7 Sep 1699706755935072527

Canterbury Park has big day on Saturday

Image for twitter card

Canterbury Park has big day on Saturday - Minnesota News Network

Canterbury Park will celebrate the Minnesota breeding and horse racing industry on Saturday, Sept. 9 with the 30th ...

minnesotanewsnetwork.com

Reply on Twitter 1699706755935072527 Retweet on Twitter 1699706755935072527 2 Like on Twitter 1699706755935072527 6 Twitter 1699706755935072527
Load More

Former Gopher Al Nolen named new radio network analyst

Gopher Sports Properties, the locally based team of LEARFIELD, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today the hiring of Al Nolen as the color commentator for Golden Gopher men’s basketball radio broadcasts this upcoming season. Nolen replaces longtime color analyst Spencer Tollackson, who held that role for the previous 14 […]

Gophers tabbed Big Ten hockey favorites

Coming off an NCAA runner-up finish and its second-straight Big Ten Conference championship, the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team was picked atop the 2023-24 preseason poll as announced by the league office Monday. Six Golden Gophers also were honored as Preseason All-B1G selections with Jimmy Snuggerud and Luke Mittelstadt landing on the first team, […]

Vikes trade for RB Akers

(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings announce the team has traded a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for RB Cam Akers and a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The completion of this trade is pending Akers passing a physical. Akers, who is in his fourth season, joins […]

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Facebook

Copyright © 2023 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC