In a thrilling display of power hitting, Hunter Goodman took center stage for the Colorado Rockies, launching three home runs to propel his team to victory. The Rockies' offense was in full swing, tallying eight runs that proved decisive.
Goodman, batting third as the designated hitter, was a force to be reckoned with, driving in five runs. His first two homers came off Twins starter Mike Paredes, who managed a career-best 5.1 innings on the mound, while the third was launched off reliever Kody Funderburk.
Even Marco Raya, pitching the final two innings, couldn't escape unscathed, surrendering a homer to Kyle Karros. Goodman's performance was particularly intriguing given his stronger showings away from the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.
On the other side, former Twin Willi Castro had a tough night, going 0-for-5. As for the current Twins roster, they had their moments.
Paredes, despite giving up eight hits, limited the Rockies to three runs over nearly six innings. He showcased control, not issuing any walks, though he only managed two strikeouts.
Kody Clemens kept his momentum going, contributing with an early RBI single that brought Trevor Larnach home in the first inning. Larnach was a standout for the Twins, collecting three hits, including his 14th double of the season, which cleared the bases in a dramatic ninth inning.
Taylor Rogers also made strides, lowering his ERA to 6.16, a positive sign amidst the challenges.
With the series now tied, the Twins face a crucial game on Sunday to salvage their homestand after a successful road trip. As always in baseball, the outcome remains uncertain, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how it unfolds.
Brooks Lee added to the excitement, going 2-for-4 with a run and a double, further highlighting the dynamic performances on the field.
In Other News...
Seeing These Two Former Twins Back At Target Field Hit Hard
Seeing former Twins back at Target Field always carries a little extra weight, but it hit especially hard with Willi Castro and Edouard Julien in visiting uniforms. Both had been moved on from in separate transactions, and both were welcomed back warmly by former teammates and the organization, a reminder of how quickly the roster can turn even for players who felt like part of the fabric of the clubhouse not long ago.
Before first pitch, the Twins made sure the moment felt personal with tribute videos for each player, and the return visits gave both men a chance to reflect on how their paths changed. Castro talked about knowing a trade was coming and being surprised by where it sent him, while Julien had to process a crowded infield picture and the reality that his own role was slipping away, a familiar kind of business in a game that rarely pauses for sentiment. [Read more 🡒]
Twins Face A Risky Decision They Cannot Afford To Botch
The Twins are hanging around the AL Wild Card picture, but that has not quieted the larger question hovering over their summer: whether they will stay in the market or start listening on veterans before the deadline passes. One of the names drawing the most attention is Joe Ryan, whose strong season has only sharpened the front office debate about whether Minnesota should cash in now or keep pushing with the roster it has.
Ryans appeal is obvious beyond this years standings. He is controlled through 2027 and does not have a no-trade clause, which puts Minnesota in a position every club says it wants and almost never gets around to using cleanly. The Twins have lived through the downside of waiting too long with valuable arms, and this is exactly the kind of decision that can shape not just a deadline, but the next few seasons. [Read more 🡒]
Why Twins Fans Love Target Fields Celebrity Look-Alikes So Much
One of the more reliable ways Target Field gets a crowd buzzing has nothing to do with a big hit or a defensive gem. The Twins Celebrity Look-Alikes segment has become a favorite bit of in-game entertainment over the past five seasons, with fans scanned from the stands and shown on the videoboards when they happen to resemble a familiar face. It has earned a reputation as one of the loudest laugh-getters in the ballpark, which says plenty about how well it lands with a home crowd that likes a little harmless fun between the baseball.
What makes the feature work is that it feels earned rather than manufactured. There is no facial-recognition technology or AI shortcut behind it, just a manual search through the crowd by the Twins staff, who start looking after gates open and keep the hunt going until the right match pops up. When it hits, the reaction is immediate, because the joke is simple and the setup is clean: a familiar celebrity image, then a fan who looks close enough to make the whole section lean in and laugh. [Read more 🡒]