MINNESOTA TWINS AT MILWAUKEE BREWERS SUN 5/18 FINAL

After starting the season 13-20, it was looking like the Minnesota Twins were in for a long dismal season. Manager Rocco Baldelli was feeling the pressure and fans were not happy. Some even thought Rocco wouldn't make it out of April as Twins Manager. Then things suddenly change. The Twins go on a 8 game winning streak to go over .500 the first time this season and now are only 5.5 games back American League Central leading Detroit Tigers. What changed? There are several factors involved, but the combination of these factors are the ingredients to winning.

The Twins hope to extend their winning streak out on the road as they face Baltimore and Milwaukee. Key pieces like the addition of Ty France in the offseason has helped their offense. Buxton staying healthy is another big factor. Royce Lewis recently returned to the lineup, but has struggled in his first few games. Middle relief has played a crucial role as Louis Varland and Danny Coulombe have really solidified those roles as of late. Each season is different and it's taken a month into the season for Rocco and the Twins to find success.

To say the Twins are off to slow start is an understatement. Four straight losses to start the season including a blowout vs the White Sox (who lost over 100 games last season). Minnesota was glad to be home after starting the season on the road and was expected to get back on track. All three games vs Houston looked promising to start, but the 6-9 innings have been very unproductive. Very few hits and just not doing much offensively. That was magnified today in the series finale after the bullpen blew a 7-1 lead to lose the game 

9-7 and the series. The third straight series loss to start the season.

Twins pitching has struggled from day one of the season. Starting Pitching and/or bullpen pitching have both gotten hammered. It is early, but has been a concern for a few years now. Some new faces are in the bullpen this season and are hoping to turn around the late-inning pitching woes. Darren McCaughan & Justin Topa have made appearances during this homestand and are expected to be frequently used this season in hopes of limiting their opponents to minimal runs allowed. As long as the arms stay healthy and get consistent reps, they could have a positive impact going forward.