Zebby Matthews shines in his return, pitching 6 scoreless innings as the Twins beat the Nationals 1-0 on July 26. Read how his ace performance boosts playoff hopes.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt more like October than late July, the Minnesota Twins scratched out a nail-biting 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, and it was all thanks to the spectacular return of Zebby Matthews. Fresh off a six-week injured list stint, Matthews delivered the best start of his young career, silencing the Nationals' bats and reminding everyone just how crucial his arm is to this team's wild-card aspirations.
I think we can hopefully come to expect that from him because I think that’s the player and caliber of player he is.
Making his first start since landing on the IL with a shoulder strain, Zebby Matthews was simply untouchable. Over six masterful innings, he allowed just two hits, struck out six, and issued zero walks. He didn't even allow a ball out of the infield until the fourth inning, showcasing pinpoint command. Catcher Ryan Jeffers lauded the performance, calling his stuff 'really crisp.' The trust from manager Rocco Baldelli was evident, letting Matthews finish the sixth inning in a high-leverage spot. It was more than just a win; it was a statement that he's ready to be a difference-maker down the stretch.
In a classic pitcher's duel against MacKenzie Gore, runs were at a premium. The Twins manufactured the game's lone run in the fifth inning with a bit of savvy and speed. Matt Wallner legged out an infield single, then alertly advanced to third base on two consecutive wild pitches. Byron Buxton did his job, lifting a sacrifice fly to center field to bring Wallner home. It wasn't flashy, but it was exactly the kind of gritty, opportunistic offense needed to win a 1-0 ballgame.
After Matthews' departure, the bullpen was tasked with protecting the slimmest of leads. Griffin Jax faced the biggest test, navigating a tense eighth inning to keep the Nationals off the board. The bullpen's ability to bend but not break secured the victory and kept the Twins just five games behind the final American League wild-card spot.
The team made a roster move just before the weekend, placing LHP Anthony Misiewicz on the 15-day IL and recalling LHP Kody Funderburk from Triple-A St. Paul to fill the gap in the bullpen. Down on the farm, there's positive movement for second baseman Luke Keaschall, who began a rehab assignment and is nearing a return from a forearm fracture. However, top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez remains sidelined with an oblique strain, a situation the team is monitoring closely.
With Zebby Matthews looking like a potential anchor and the team proving they can win tight games at home, the Twins are sending a clear message to the front office: they're still in this fight. As the trade deadline looms, this gutsy performance keeps the postseason dream alive and makes the next week of baseball in Minnesota absolutely critical.
