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Twins Outslug Orioles in Back-to-Back Thrillers
Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles - Tuesday, May 14, 2024
In a game showcasing both teams' power and resilience, the Minnesota Twins emerged victorious over the Baltimore Orioles with a final score of 7-5. The Twins took an early lead and managed to hold off a late surge by the Orioles at Memorial Stadium.
The Twins started strong in the first inning with a double from Home Run Baker, who later scored on George Foster's double. Foster, who was a standout throughout the game, commented, "I felt good at the plate today. We knew we had to come out aggressive and set the tone early."
In the second inning, the Twins extended their lead with a barrage of hits, including a two-run double by Foster and an RBI single by Pete Reiser. Frank Thomas grounded out to drive in another run, making it 5-0. "We had great momentum," said Twins' manager. "Our hitters were seeing the ball well and making solid contact."
The Orioles managed to put together a few runs in the bottom of the sixth, with RBIs from Baby Doll Jacobson and Lloyd Waner. A solo home run by Mike Piazza and another by Daryl Strawberry in the ninth inning narrowed the gap, but the Twins' bullpen held firm.
Ken Holtzman pitched seven strong innings for the Twins, allowing three earned runs on 13 hits while striking out six. "It was a grind, but we pulled through as a team," said Holtzman.
Key Performances:
- George Foster: 2-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB
- Frank Thomas: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 1 RBI
- Ken Holtzman: 7 IP, 13 H, 3 ER, 6 K
- Mike Piazza: 4-for-5, HR, 1 RBI
Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles - Wednesday, May 15, 2024
The Baltimore Orioles bounced back in a high-scoring slugfest, defeating the Minnesota Twins 16-10 in a wild game at Memorial Stadium. The game featured a combined total of six home runs and numerous lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Twins took an early 4-1 lead in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from George Foster. However, the Orioles responded with a ten-run explosion in the bottom of the third, capped by a grand slam from Mike Piazza. "I've never seen anything like it," said Piazza. "Everything just clicked for us in that inning."
Despite the large deficit, the Twins battled back with a five-run seventh inning, including another homer by Foster and a solo shot by Frank Thomas. Foster, who finished the game with three home runs, said, "We never gave up. Even when we were down big, we kept fighting."
Steve Carlton pitched six and one-third innings for the Orioles, allowing five runs while striking out ten. "It wasn't my best outing, but the offense really picked me up today," Carlton remarked.
Key Performances:
- George Foster: 3-for-5, 3 HR, 7 RBI
- Frank Thomas: 1-for-3, HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB
- Steve Carlton: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 10 K
- Mike Piazza: 3-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI, BB
Series MVP: George Foster
George Foster was a force to be reckoned with in this series, showcasing his power and consistency at the plate. His performance in both games was pivotal to the Twins' offensive success, despite the team's split in the series.
Series Stats for George Foster:
- Batting Average: .556 (5-for-9)
- Home Runs: 3
- Runs Batted In: 10
- Runs Scored: 4
- Walks: 2
- On-Base Percentage: .636
- Slugging Percentage: 1.778
Foster's ability to deliver in clutch situations and his three-homer game in the second matchup highlighted his exceptional power and skill. "George was incredible this series," said the Twins manager. "He carried our offense and showed why he's one of the best hitters in the league."
