Can Royce Lewis's hot bat lead the Twins past the Dodgers on July 22? Minnesota faces ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a crucial series showdown at Dodger Stadium.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Fresh off a resounding 7-1 victory over the Rockies, the Minnesota Twins have rolled into Hollywood with a little swagger, thanks in large part to the scorching hot bat of Royce Lewis. But the feel-good vibes will be put to the ultimate test starting tonight, as they open a three-game set against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers at the iconic Dodger Stadium.
Byron Buxton has been the steady hand all season, leading the team with a .289 AVG, 22 HR, and 57 RBI.
The stage is set for a classic baseball showdown. The Twins (48-51) are playing the role of underdog against the formidable Dodgers (58-42). The challenge gets even steeper when you look at the mound, as LA is expected to send out their ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who boasts a stingy 2.59 ERA. While the Twins haven't confirmed their starter, they'll need a masterful performance to counter the Dodgers' potent lineup in their home ballpark. This isn't just another series; it's a measuring stick.
If the Twins are going to make some noise in Los Angeles, they'll need Royce Lewis to stay on fire. His electrifying two-homer performance against Colorado on Sunday was a reminder of the game-changing power he brings to the lineup. As the team's social media accounts have been highlighting, the energy around Lewis is palpable. His recent surge provides a critical offensive spark that Minnesota desperately needs to match up with the Dodgers' high-powered attack.
While the focus is on LA, the reality of the AL Central standings looms large. Sitting 11 games behind Detroit, the Twins know that every series, especially against a top-tier opponent, is crucial. It's a tough spot to be in, but the talent is there. Byron Buxton continues to be a force, leading the team in average, homers, and RBI, while ace Joe Ryan has been a rock on the mound with 10 wins and a sparkling 2.63 ERA. The question is whether they can put it all together for a sustained run, and there's no better time to start than now.
This series in Los Angeles is more than just three games in late July; it's a gut-check for the 2025 Minnesota Twins. Can Royce Lewis's hot streak ignite a fire under the whole team? Can the pitching staff rise to the occasion against one of the league's best? The answers will start to unfold under the California lights. It's time to see what this team is truly made of.
