Published 21 hours ago • loading... • Updated 18 hours ago
Twins wrap stretch of 17 games in 17 days with a loss
Starling Marte’s three-run homer helped Kansas City snap Minnesota’s rally, and the Twins finished 7-10 in a stretch marked by injuries and short starts.
The Twins concluded a taxing 17-game stretch on Sunday, falling 6-5 to the Royals in Minneapolis with a 7-10 record, losing three of four games in the final series.
Manager Derek Shelton faced significant pitching depth challenges as starters threw fewer than five innings in nine of the 17 games; injuries to Bailey Ober and Kendry Rojas forced reliance on bullpen games.
Starter Connor Prielipp lasted 4 1/3 innings while Starling Marte's three-run home run in the fifth inning gave the Royals a four-run cushion. The Twins' offense remained quiet for eight innings before sparking a four-run rally in the ninth.
Despite a ninth-inning rally, Brooks Lee flew out to end the game with runners stranded. Josh Bell noted the stretch's difficulty, saying "it's a lot easier at least when you're close games."
With the taxing schedule complete, the club enters a much-needed off day seeking momentum. Shelton described the team as "limping pitching-wise" to the finish line of this extended period.