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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 19:40:51 GMT -6
4th straight inning where the Twins get the lead off runner on board but can't capitalize. Stranded Polanco at third who beat a cross diamond throw to 3rd after getting Buxton out at first on a ground out. Call on the field was out but reversed (Polanco's hand clearly was in before the tag).
Cease has been all over the place with his pitches giving his C a real work out behind the plate blocking pitches in the dirt. But with his stuff and an outstanding CU he keeps getting out of jams.
Addendum: Cease is "tipping" his SCU. Unlike his FB or even his slider which is way out of the zone and his curve (total of 2), he doesn't bring the ball as far back and essentially short arms his CU (15 mph slower than his FB). His CU is very hittable as it comes in thigh high (perfect pitch to absolutely crush when you know it's coming).
If the Twins hitting coach has picked it up yet, he should be double fired (no one is going the opposite way like the Sox did to get their sole run).
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 20:08:57 GMT -6
Twins get the 1st 2 hitters on base. Donaldson grounded into a DP (off a CU that Cease "tips" off), IBB to Cruz to pitch to Polanco who delivered a line single to LC to finally knot the score.
Pitching change (Cease up over 100 PC in 4 2/3). 2 on with 2 out, Wade drew a BB loading them up for Buxton. Sox reliever (Heuyer is a mainly a sinker ball pitcher with a high 90's FB) is the perfect kind of pitcher for Buxton who's a low ball hitter. But, Buxton couldn't deliver swinging on a high outside FB to RF for the final out.
1-1 bottom of the 5th.
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 20:16:12 GMT -6
Berrios retires the side for the first time but he's up to 93 pitches. Sox have been very disciplined at the plate (only 2K's) and having been going the opposite field a lot. Kudos to their hitting coach for having the hitters make the adjustment knowing how wicked Berios' slider is (most of the time, not so much tonight).
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 20:33:21 GMT -6
Cave with a lead off (1st hitter reached every inning thus far) double sliced down the LF line. Astudillo 1st pitch swinging as usual pops out (I would have pinch hit and replaced him with Jeffers who's a better hitter and defensively). Adrianaza patient at the plate drew a walk. Kepler nearly cleared the bases on a liner into the RF corner that was just hoked foul before SO. Donaldson followed with an infield single before Cruz SO with the bases loaded.
3rd time the Twins have left bags juiced. <smh>
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 21:10:41 GMT -6
Wisler and then Duffey do their jobs and retire the Sox but not w/o some drama. Cave dove for a ball that he clearly had no chance to catch (did that in 2 prior games) with the ball going all the way to the ball. Could have been a triple but for Abreu trotting into 2nd. Duffey upset with a pitch that Jiminez (Sox top hitter) looked like he went around but the 1st base ump said no. He was essentially given a free pass before Duffey got out of the jam with a routine rounder to short.
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 21:27:44 GMT -6
So sick of this. Twins leave the bases loaded (all on BB's)...again as Cruz grounds out. 14 LOB thus far.
I'm starting to get disenchanted with Donaldson who seems content to draw walks. When you're a former MVP and "the Guy" on several different ball clubs you have to go the plate with the mindset that I'M going to get the key hit. The 1 strike he got was an outside FB that he could easily have gone the opposite way for single. But, he (like Cruz and Sano) continually try to pull the ball rather than exercise bat control and hit the ball where it's pitched.
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 14, 2020 21:39:37 GMT -6
Rogers comes in for the 9th, gives up back-back BB's and then a single to break the tie after the hitter initially tried to bunt the runners over. Then Anderson lined a double off the LF wall off a hanging breaking ball to make it 3-1.
Rogers looks mentally fatigued like he doesn't believe in himself as "the GUY" to close a game out. Still has his velocity (95-96) but his breaking stuff has been missing badly including hanging in the zone. Twins need him to break out of his "funk" to have a chance to advance in the playoffs.
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Post by franklin99 on Sept 15, 2020 10:20:01 GMT -6
Rogers is really struggling. Hitters making excellent contact this year against him.
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Post by Prเถงudhเถงrn on Sept 15, 2020 18:33:44 GMT -6
DFA time for Dobnak
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 15, 2020 19:05:32 GMT -6
Dobnak has had control issues the past 2 games and tonight is no different. BB's, HBP, 4 hits and fortunate to only be 1 down.
PC 51 thru only 2.
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 15, 2020 19:08:25 GMT -6
The "Flash" Buxton just hit a inside the park homer. Dead C just 1-2 ft. from going out. Despite pausing between 1st and 2nd, he turned on the jets and it wasn't even close at the plate.
Game tied 1-1.
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 15, 2020 19:28:11 GMT -6
3 hits and 2 BB's leading to 3 runs and the 3rd still isn't over with a runner at 3rd. PC over 80 but managed to get the final out. Dobnak has sucked his last 3 outings.
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Post by solomon69 on Sept 15, 2020 19:36:20 GMT -6
3 hits and 2 BB's leading to 3 runs and the 3rd still isn't over with a runner at 3rd. PC over 80 but managed to get the final out. Dobnak has sucked his last 3 outings.
hopefully he is done for the night. |
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Post by vikingslore on Sept 15, 2020 20:22:24 GMT -6
Dobnak only lasted to the 1st out of the 4th with more runners on board before Clippard got the final 2 outs. 8 hits, 2 HBP with PC of 97. Twin got 1 back in the 5th but Clippard hung a CU resulting in a solo HR.
Sox up 5-2.
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Post by franklin99 on Sept 16, 2020 9:07:50 GMT -6
Dobnak needs to find a dietitian. The guy is turning into a chub. And it may be affecting his throwing motion.
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