Minnesota Twins 4
Washington Nationals 8
The Minnesota Twins started their road trip to the nation’s capitol in disappointing fashion, falling to the Nationals 8-4 Friday night.
1. Gibson struggles again
It was another ugly performance from Twins starter Kyle Gibson (0-3). In just three innings of work he gave up seven runs on seven hits while walking two and hitting another batter.
Sure was nice of Kyle Gibson and the #MnTwins to end this one early so I could go get groceries before the hockey game starts.
— Reuvers (@ChrisReuvers) April 23, 2016
The Twins are counting on big things from Gibson this year, but he has struggled with his command. His struggles are a contrast to Twins prospect Jose Berrios, who has been mowing hitters down in Triple A.
2. Bottom’s up
It wasn’t slugger Bryce Harper who hurt the Twins Friday night as much as it was the hitters at the bottom of the order. The Nationals’ 7th and 8th hitters combined for four hits, five RBIs and scored a pair of runs.
Danny Espinosa was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Jose Lobaton finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. It was Lobaton’s two-run single in the first that allowed the Nationals to break the game open and take a 4-0 lead.
3. Werth every penny
Jayson Werth had a big night for the Nationals. First he robbed a home run from Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, then he hit one of his own a few innings later.
These flowers will not be watered with a home run. https://t.co/CMJ8VhEi3d
— MLB (@MLB) April 23, 2016
Werth left the game 1-2 with the home run and 2RBIs.
Tweet of the Night:
Today, we wear purple. #PurpleForPrince #MNTwins v. Nats. Play ball! pic.twitter.com/saMxcXr31F
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 22, 2016
Up Next:
Phil Hughes (1-2) takes the mound for the Twins on Saturday afternoon against Tanner Roark (1-2).
