When Royce Lewis feels good, baseballs tend to feel the heat. The Minnesota Twins’ dynamic 25-year-old slugger made his presence known with a homer in his first game back after a two-month hiatus due to a strained quadriceps. He didn’t stop there, launching another homer as the team returned home on Monday, celebrating his return in style.
Lewis will be looking to keep the fireworks going on Tuesday night as the Twins aim for consecutive wins over the Colorado Rockies to kick off their three-game series.
The Twins clinched the series opener with a 5-0 victory, thanks in part to a three-run burst in the eighth inning. Lewis contributed significantly with a colossal 435-foot, two-run shot to left-center field, marking his fourth home run in just seven games this season. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli couldn’t help but applaud Lewis for coming back with such a scorching bat.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are desperately searching for a spark in their lineup. Despite tallying six hits in the series opener, they were shut out for the eighth time this season. The Rockies have dropped two straight games and eight of their last ten.
Minnesota Twins Starting Pitcher
The Twins are set to call up right-hander Louie Varland (0-4, 9.18 ERA) for the second game of the series. Varland, who had a rough patch in his initial four starts before being sent down to Triple-A St. Paul, is making the short trek back across the Mississippi River to return to the majors. The 26-year-old has never faced the Rockies and is looking to turn his season around.
Colorado Rockies Starting Pitcher
On the mound for Colorado will be right-hander Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.58 ERA), making his 14th start of the season. He leads the team in victories and innings pitched (73), and ranks second with 51 strikeouts. Quantrill delivered a gem in his most recent outing, pitching five scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Quantrill has an impressive track record against the Twins, boasting a 5-0 record with a 3.23 ERA in 11 games (eight starts). Over 53 innings, he’s walked 13 and struck out 38.
However, Quantrill might be without the support of Rockies catcher Elias Diaz, who left Monday’s game with a calf strain. Manager Bud Black described Diaz’s status as day-to-day, noting it’s an issue that has been nagging the catcher.
Colorado Rockies vs Minnesota Twins Prediction 6/11
Given Royce Lewis’s hot streak since his return and the Twins’ momentum from a solid 5-0 victory, Minnesota is likely to carry this energy into the second game of the series. Lewis, with his knack for clutch home runs, will be a key player to watch. If he continues to swing the bat well, he could provide the spark the Twins need to secure another win.
The Twins’ decision to call up Louie Varland might be a gamble, considering his struggles earlier in the season. However, pitching in front of the home crowd and aiming for redemption could provide the motivation he needs to deliver a better performance.
On the other hand, the Rockies are sending out Cal Quantrill, who has a stellar record against the Twins and has been a reliable pitcher this season. His ability to keep Minnesota’s bats in check will be crucial. However, the potential absence of catcher Elias Diaz could impact Quantrill’s effectiveness.
Ultimately, the Twins’ current form and offensive power, led by Lewis, give them an edge. If Varland can hold his own on the mound and the bullpen continues to deliver, Minnesota is likely to come out on top.
Final Prediction: Twins win 6-3
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