In a disappointing turn of events, the Minnesota Twins have been eliminated from the playoffs after a strong regular season performance. The Athletic breaks down five key reasons why the Twins collapsed when it counted the most.
One major factor in the Twins’ downfall was their struggling pitching staff. Despite having strong performances from starting pitchers Jose Berrios and Kenta Maeda during the regular season, they were unable to deliver in the postseason when it mattered most. In addition, the bullpen also failed to step up, with closer Taylor Rogers giving up key hits that ultimately cost the Twins crucial games.
Another reason for the Twins’ collapse was their inability to hit in clutch situations. Despite having a powerful lineup led by sluggers Nelson Cruz and Josh Donaldson, the Twins couldn’t seem to come through with timely hits when needed. This lack of offensive production proved to be a major hindrance throughout the playoffs.
Furthermore, the Twins’ defense was also a weak point during the postseason. Costly errors and defensive lapses put added pressure on the pitching staff and ultimately contributed to the team’s downfall. Additionally, the team’s lack of playoff experience may have played a role in their collapse, as they seemed to struggle with the intensity and pressure of postseason play.
Overall, the Twins’ collapse can be attributed to a combination of factors, including poor pitching, lackluster hitting, defensive lapses, and a lack of playoff experience. Despite a strong regular season performance, the Twins were unable to deliver when it counted the most, leading to a premature exit from the playoffs.
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