The Minnesota Twins suffered another setback in the American League wild-card race as they fell to the Miami Marlins 4-1 on Tuesday night. The Marlins, who have struggled in recent games, managed to pull off a decisive victory thanks to a strong performance by Jonah Bride, who hit a crucial home run in the second inning. Nick Fortes and Xavier Edwards also contributed with key hits to fuel the Marlins’ rally against Twins pitcher Bailey Ober.
This loss puts the Twins two games below the postseason cut, trailing behind both the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers and Royals are currently tied for the last two wild-card spots, with the Twins holding the tiebreakers due to winning the season series against both teams. However, with only five games left in the regular season, the Twins are running out of time to secure a playoff spot.
The Twins, who were once in contention for the AL Central division title, have struggled in the final stretch of the season. Despite a strong offense earlier in the year, the team has faltered in recent weeks, losing 23 of their last 34 games. Their bullpen collapses and lackluster performances have put their postseason hopes in jeopardy.
As the Twins returned home for their final homestand, they were hoping to find some momentum against the struggling Marlins. However, the Marlins proved to be a tough opponent, with Bride’s home run setting the tone for the game. Ober, who has been a bright spot for the Twins this season, struggled to contain the Marlins’ offense and failed to finish six innings for only the second time in his last 17 starts.
Despite a late RBI single from Royce Lewis, the Twins were unable to overcome the Marlins’ early lead. Their struggles with runners in scoring position and leaving runners on base proved costly, as they were unable to mount a comeback against the Marlins.
In addition to their on-field struggles, the Twins are also dealing with injuries to key players. Max Kepler, who has been sidelined with knee and hip issues, is unlikely to return this week. With his contract expiring this fall, it’s uncertain if Kepler will play another game for the Twins, who signed him as a teenager from Germany in 2009. Kepler’s potential absence could impact the Twins’ lineup as they push for a playoff spot.
Looking ahead, the Marlins will send Edward Cabrera to the mound for the next game, while the Twins will counter with Simeon Woods Richardson. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from their recent performances and make a final push for the playoffs as the season winds down.
