Royce Lewis returns, but the Minnesota Twins' bullpen falters in a 7-3 loss to the Miami Marlins on July 1. A 7th-inning homer sealed the defeat.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for Minnesota Twins fans on Tuesday. The good news? Royce Lewis is back, and he wasted no time making an impact. The bad news? It didn't matter. A familiar story of a bullpen collapse and missed opportunities doomed the Twins in a 7-3 series-opening loss to the Miami Marlins, a frustrating start to July.
The game-changing moment came in the seventh when Jorge Alcala surrendered a three-run homer to Marlins catcher Nick Fortes, breaking a 3-3 tie and sinking the Twins.
For a while, it looked like a winnable game. The Twins jumped out to a 2-0 lead, and starter Bailey Ober battled through 5.1 innings, keeping his team in it. But once the bullpen door swung open, the wheels came off. The game was tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, a classic high-leverage situation. Unfortunately, Jorge Alcala couldn't hold the line, serving up a devastating three-run blast to Nick Fortes that proved to be the dagger. It's a story we've seen too many times this season. Despite eight hits, including a solo shot from Byron Buxton and two from Carlos Correa, the offense couldn't deliver the knockout blow, leaving a staggering nine runners on base.
The biggest positive of the night was undoubtedly the return of Royce Lewis. Activated from the injured list after a bout with a left hamstring strain, he immediately slotted back into the lineup and ripped an RBI double in the first inning. While he's still working to get his average (.202) up after a tough start to the year, his presence and potential for game-changing plays were felt instantly. His return is a massive boost, but it also highlights the need for the rest of the team to step up around him. To make room for Lewis, the Twins designated infielder Jonah Bride for assignment, closing the book on his brief .170-hitting tenure with the club.
Away from the diamond, questions about the team's direction linger. A report surfaced that manager Rocco Baldelli's 2026 contract option had been exercised, but the front office is staying mum, citing team policy. With the team sitting at 40-45, the timing of the report and the club's silence certainly raise eyebrows. While the big-league club struggles for consistency, there was a major bright spot down on the farm. On Monday, the organization's No. 20 prospect put on a show for the Double-A affiliate, hitting for the cycle and driving in six runs. It's a thrilling reminder of the talent pipeline and a hopeful sign for the future, even if the present feels a bit rocky.
So where do the Twins go from here? The return of Royce Lewis provides a much-needed spark, but one player can't fix a leaky bullpen and an inconsistent offense. This loss to the Marlins stings because it felt so preventable, so familiar. The Twins have to find a way to close out these tight games if they hope to climb back into contention in the AL Central. They'll get another shot at the Marlins tomorrow, and they desperately need to even the series and build some positive momentum.
