Twins 9, Astros 3: Going Walt Dropo Mode

Jose Miranda put in his best Pinky Higgins impression, nestling himself amongst some of the game's most obscurely impressive hitters in a decisive 9-3 win.

Willi Castro had three hits by the third inning, which should give you some indication of the ambush the Minnesota Twins laid unto Houston starter Hunter Brown on Saturday afternoon.

The action started straightaway, with bloop infield singles and squibbed inside-out grounders leading to RBIs for both Trevor Larnach and Max Kepler. Also in the inning came a HBP to Jose Miranda, who extended his on-base streak to 11 straight plate appearances.

Then, more in the second, with RBI knocks from Willi and Carlos Santana, as well as -- guess what? -- Miranda's 11th straight at-bat with a hit, and 12th straight appearance reaching.

So, why not keep it rolling for the third inning, with Brooks Lee's first major-league homer?

Not enough for you? How about another hit from Jose Miranda, tying the all-time major-league record?

In front of a robust crowd for Pablo Lopez Bobblehead Day, the lineup was clicking and the accolades were stacking. Minnesota led 7-3 by the time Joe Ryan had completed a decent outing of 5.2 innings and eight strikeouts, although he departed having left the bases loaded with two outs in the sixth.

In the seventh, Miranda's streak finally came to an end, but what a run it was. 13 straight plate appearances reaching base, including 12-for-12 in official ABs. Tied for first in the history of baseball ain't bad, I guess.

Cole Sands and Caleb Thielbar carried this one through to the end, and Byron Buxton added a two-run trucker in the home seventh.

The direct matchup in 2024 is tied 2-2, and the head-to-head record could have playoff implications this early in the season. Tune in tomorrow to see the start of some new streaks and the end of a season series.

See ya!

STUDS:

2B Willi Castro (3-for-5, 2 R, RBI, 2B)

3B Jose Miranda (2-for-3, RBI, HBP)

CF Byron Buxton (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR)

DH Brooks Lee (1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, HR)

DUDS:

NO DUDS! TWINS WIN! TWINS WIN!