The Minnesota Twins lost 5-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a brief two-game series in the Steel City Monday afternoon.
Here are three things you need to know from the game.
1. Lance Lynn struggles
The veteran right-hander was a late addition to the Twins in free agency, and he struggled badly in his debut by giving up 5 runs in the first inning, including a grand slam by Colin Moran.
Lynn didn’t allow any more runs after the first inning, but he lasted just 4 innings and tied his career-high by issuing 6 walks.
2. Brian Dozier homers again
Trailing 5-0 in the sixth inning, Dozier took a high fastball and sent it over the wall in the left-field corner for a solo home run to put the Twins on the board.
3rd homer in 2 games. #DozierGoesDeep #MNTwins #ICYMI https://t.co/qWtrMx0lxy
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 2, 2018
Dozier also homered twice in Minnesota’s win over the Orioles on Sunday. It took him until May 2 last season to reach 3 homers.
3. Rally falls short
Dozier’s homer started a 4-run sixth inning, highlighted by Miguel Sano doubling and later scoring on a wild pitch, followed by back-to-back RBI doubles off the wall by Eduardo Escobar and Max Kepler.
Jason Castro led off the seventh inning with a walk and moved into scoring position when Logan Morrison was hit by a pitch in his left leg. Dozier then grounded into a double-play and Castro was stranded at third when Joe Mauer flied out to right to end the inning.
Up next
The Twins and Pirates wrap up the series Tuesday at 5:05 p.m. Jake Odorizzi will make his second start for Minnesota while right-hander Ivan Nova takes the mound for Pittsburgh.
