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Bullpen gives up 11 runs in eighth to blow great Santana start

By Collin Kottke

May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) forces the out during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) forces the out during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Twins had another fantastic start from Ervin Santana, but the Houston Astros went galactic in the eighth inning.

Target Field has not been overtly kind to the Minnesota Twins this season. Despite having a winning overall record, the Twins sit at 12-16 at home after the loss to the Houston Astros during a Memorial Day matinee.

Ervin Santana got the start for the Twins and produced another sparkling performance for the home team. Santana went seven innings and allowed two runs, one earned, on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Twins fans were feeling good about the game when Santana left the game. Minnesota put up a seven run inning in the fifth to give Minnesota a 7-2 lead. A Jorge Polanco triple, a passed ball, Brian Dozier single, Robbie Grossman double, Joe Mauer single and Miguel Sano home run all added up to the seven runs. In the bottom of the seventh, Grossman delivered a solo homer of his own to give the Twins an 8-2 lead.

Then the eighth inning happened. It took three pitchers for the Twins to get out of the eighth inning, the first inning after Santana was pulled. It wasn’t because manager Paul Molitor was playing matchups, but because no one in the bullpen could get any Astros out.

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Ryan Pressly was the first man out of the bullpen and proceeded to get one out while giving up five runs. Craig Breslow was next and he also got one out and gave up only three runs. Matt Belisle got the final out of the inning but not before he also gave up three runs. The Astros scored 11 runs in the inning to effectively shut the door on the Twins.

Drew Rucinski came into clean up the mess for the Twins in the ninth, but not before he was also tagged for three runs completing a 16 run day for Houston.

To make matters worse for the Twins, Byron Buxton left the game in the sixth inning due to a lacerated finger.

Final score: Astros win, 16-8.

What’s next for the Twins?

The Twins and Astros will go at it again on Tuesday from Target Field. First pitch is set for 7:10 Central.

Next: Twins management has a big decision to make

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