The Minnesota Twins couldn’t quite force a Game 5 in their AL Division Series against the Houston Astros last October, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Could Pablo López have delivered another stellar performance to propel the Twins to victory? While we’ll never know for sure, López’s recent outing against the Astros gives a tantalizing glimpse of what could have happened.
López’s Masterful Performance
On a Friday night inside Minute Maid Park, Pablo López pitched seven strong innings, giving up just six hits and allowing only one Astro, Alex Bregman, to reach third base. López’s lone mistake was a pitch that Bregman hit off the left-field foul pole, but otherwise, the Twins’ ace was in complete control. Minnesota secured their eighth win in ten games with a convincing 6-1 victory over Houston, reported by Kansas.
López, who had provided seven shutout innings in the Twins’ lone ALDS victory, looked like a different pitcher compared to his previous outings, where he had allowed 16 runs over his last 16 innings. Sporting a new look with a cropped beard down to a goatee, López’s fastball reached 96 mph, and his sweeper was particularly effective, generating 17 swing-and-misses. He struck out six, walked only one, and threw just 93 pitches to get through seven innings.
Astros Starter Struggles
In contrast to López’s dominance, Astros starter Ronel Blanco struggled mightily. Blanco, who had no-hit the Blue Jays in April, endured his first loss of the season and his worst start of 2024. Despite giving up only three hits, he allowed four runs, largely due to walking three Twins batters. Patience at the plate was the Twins’ biggest weapon against Blanco, who had recently served a 10-game suspension when a foreign substance was found on his glove.
Key Moments and Clutch Hits
The Twins’ patience paid off in the third inning when Willi Castro smacked a triple to the center-field wall on the sixth pitch of his at-bat. José Miranda followed with an 11-pitch walk after a hard-fought battle. Blanco managed to strike out Trevor Larnach, but Carlos Correa’s RBI double and Alex Kirilloff’s sacrifice fly put the Twins ahead with a 32-pitch inning from Blanco.
In the fifth inning, the Twins extended their lead. Castro led off with a nine-pitch walk, and after Miranda flew out on Blanco’s fourth pitch, Larnach worked the count to 3-2, fouled off a couple of pitches, and then crushed the ninth pitch of the at-bat 401 feet over the center-field wall for a two-run homer.
Carlos Santana added to the Twins’ lead with a 405-foot home run into the Astros’ bullpen off reliever Alex Speas. Ryan Jeffers set up another run by doubling Max Kepler, who had been hit by a pitch, to third. Kepler then scored on Manuel Margot’s grounder to shortstop.
Bullpen Gets a Break
López’s seven-inning outing had the added benefit of resting the Twins’ bullpen. With key relievers Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran not needed, Steven Okert and Cole Sands each pitched a scoreless inning to finish off the Astros, disappointing a jersey-giveaway crowd of 36,903.
Reflections on the Game and Season
López’s performance against the Astros serves as a reminder of his potential and the impact he can have on a game. His ability to rebound from a rough stretch and deliver such a dominant outing is a testament to his resilience and skill. For the Twins, this victory was not just another win but a statement of their capabilities and a glimpse into what might have been had they forced a Game 5 in the ALDS.
The Twins’ Offensive Strategy
The Twins’ approach at the plate against Blanco was a key factor in their success. By exercising patience and making Blanco work deep into counts, they were able to capitalize on his mistakes and draw walks, setting up key hits that drove in runs. This disciplined approach is something the Twins will need to maintain as they continue through the season.
Looking Ahead
As the Twins look to build on this victory, they will need to continue to rely on strong performances from their starters like López and maintain their disciplined approach at the plate. With a bullpen that can be a strong asset when rested, the Twins have the pieces in place to compete at a high level.
For López, this game was a reaffirmation of his talent and importance to the team. His ability to dominate a potent Astros lineup showcases his potential to be a difference-maker in crucial games. As the season progresses, his performance will be a key factor in the Twins’ success.
While the Twins’ season ended without a deep playoff run last October, performances like López’s against the Astros provide a glimpse of the potential within the team. By combining strong pitching, disciplined hitting, and strategic management of their bullpen, the Twins have the tools to be competitive.
The lesson from this game is clear: when the Twins play to their strengths, they can compete with and beat the best teams in the league. With López leading the way on the mound and a lineup capable of grinding out at-bats and delivering in clutch moments, the future looks bright for the Minnesota Twins.
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