Rookie Zebby Matthews dominated for 6 shutout innings as the Twins beat the Nationals 1-0 on July 26. Carlos Correa's RBI single sealed the pitcher's duel.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season full of high-scoring affairs, sometimes you just need one. The Minnesota Twins proved that on Saturday, grinding out a tense 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals in a classic pitcher's duel. The star of the show was undoubtedly rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews, who delivered the best start of his young career, silencing the Nats' bats and reminding everyone that dominant pitching can still win ballgames.
Six shutout innings, two hits, one run. That's all it took for the Twins to secure the win, with rookie Zebby Matthews lowering his season ERA to a sparkling 3.21.
From the first pitch, Zebby Matthews was in complete control. The rookie carved through the Nationals' lineup for six masterful innings, allowing just two scattered hits and keeping them off the board entirely. The offense, meanwhile, struggled to solve Washington's pitching, until the fifth inning. That's when Willi Castro got aboard and Carlos Correa stepped up, lacing a single to drive in what would prove to be the game's only run. Byron Buxton provided a spark, going 2-for-4 and swiping his 15th base, but the day belonged to the pitchers. Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax slammed the door in relief, with Jax securing his 18th save and capping off a crucial team win.
While the bullpen was perfect on Saturday, the front office continues to ensure it has fresh arms. Prior to the game, the team placed lefty reliever Anthony Misiewicz on the 15-day injured list, recalling the reliable Kody Funderburk from Triple-A St. Paul. Funderburk, who boasts a 2.95 ERA in the bigs this year, provides immediate depth. In a related move to manage the 40-man roster, the Twins released catcher Jair Camargo on Thursday. While Camargo showed flashes of power, the move signals the team's ongoing effort to maximize roster flexibility as the season progresses.
Help could soon be on the way for the big-league club. Infielder Luke Keaschall, who has been out since April with a forearm fracture, is making steady progress on his rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints. He recently picked up an RBI single and could be back in a Twins uniform by early August, providing a welcome boost. The news is less optimistic for top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez. The dynamic outfielder remains on the injured list with a right oblique strain and there is currently no timetable for his return. His absence is a blow to the Saints and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in a long season.
A win like this—built on pitching and timely hitting—is a huge confidence booster. With Matthews looking like a budding star and the bullpen holding strong, the Twins have a clear formula for success. Now, the challenge is to get the bats to provide more consistent support. As the team looks to build on this victory in the series finale against Washington, all eyes will be on whether the offense can match the stellar performance of its pitching staff.
