Joe Ryan's masterful shutout performance leads the Minnesota Twins to a 2-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on June 26, snapping their losing streak. Read how.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Exhale, Twins Territory. After five straight losses and a six-game home skid that felt like an eternity, the Minnesota Twins finally found the win column. Behind an absolutely masterful performance from their ace, Joe Ryan, the Twins shut out the Seattle Mariners 2-0 on Thursday night in a game that felt like a massive weight being lifted off the entire organization.
Joe Ryan has now allowed one run or fewer in nine of his 15 starts this season, solidifying his role as the Twins' undisputed ace.
When a team is mired in a slump, it looks to its ace to stop the bleeding, and Joe Ryan did exactly that. He was simply untouchable against Seattle, carving through their lineup for six shutout innings. Ryan allowed just three hits, struck out eight, and, most impressively, issued zero walks. It was a masterclass in command and efficiency, improving his record to 8-3 on the season. This wasn't just a good start; it was a statement.
In a game this tight, every run felt monumental. The Twins finally broke the scoreless tie in the sixth inning when Willi Castro drove in the go-ahead run. But the breathing room came in the seventh, courtesy of Kody Clemens. He launched his ninth home run of the season into the seats, providing a crucial insurance run that extended the lead to 2-0. Clemens' power has been a welcome sight, and his blast proved to be the difference-maker.
With a two-run lead, the ball was handed to Jhoan Duran to close it out, and he did so with authority. Duran slammed the door with a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning to lock down his 11th save of the season. As usual, the radar gun was popping, with Duran touching 100 mph on three separate pitches. Having a reliable, high-velocity closer like Duran makes protecting these slim leads possible.
While the big-league club was grinding out a win, there was some serious excitement in the minor leagues. The Twins' No. 20 prospect had a night to remember for the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge, hitting for the cycle and driving in six runs. It’s a fantastic sign of development in the system and a reminder of the talent pipeline working its way toward Minneapolis.
One win doesn't erase a tough stretch, but it's a start. This victory, only the team's second in 13 games, was essential for morale. Now the challenge is to build momentum. Can the bats provide more consistent support for this stellar pitching staff? Tonight was a perfect formula for a Twins win; the key will be replicating it tomorrow and beyond.
