Twins lose a one-run game in Cleveland for the 14th consecutive time

Bobby Nightengale, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Aug 2, 2025

Published in Baseball

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CLEVELAND – As Twins players adjust to their new normal, after an unprecedented trade deadline selloff, they’re learning some things still remain the same.

On Saturday, the Twins lost, 5-4, to the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The past 14 times the two teams have played a one-run game at Progressive Field, the Guardians have won them all.

With the score tied in the eighth inning, Twins reliever Pierson Ohl gave up a hit to three of his first four batters. José Ramírez and Carlos Santana dropped bloop singles into the outfield before Bo Naylor lined an RBI double into the right-field corner.

Ohl kept it a one-run game, leaving the bases loaded with a strikeout and flyout, but maybe that was the way the Guardians preferred it. Edouard Julien hit a leadoff double to begin the ninth inning and his pinch runner, Austin Martin, didn’t advance as Hunter Gaddis struck out the final three batters to earn the save, including DaShawn Keirsey Jr. bunting foul with two strikes for the first out.

Bailey Ober made his first start since a stint on the injured list that was as much physical as a mental reset. Ober, who was sidelined by a left hip impingement, gave up 30 runs and 14 homers in 30 innings during June. It was easily the worst month of his big league career.

His velocity was up when he pitched Saturday, about 1 mph above his season average, but the results still aren’t there.

Ober yielded six hits and four runs in five innings. He gave up two singles to start the second inning, and a run scored when C.J. Kayfus, a highly rated prospect, grounded out. Kayfus received a standing ovation from the announced sellout crowd of 35,116.

Daniel Schneemann opened the third inning with a solo homer to right field, and Ober seemed to settle into a rhythm. He retired eight consecutive batters, which included three strikeouts in that span. He was one out away from completing five innings with a 4-2 lead, but Schneemann hit a two-out single in the fifth inning. Ramírez, the next batter, crushed a down-the-middle slider to right field for his 22nd home run of the season.

It was only the third time the Twins scored at least four runs in eight games against Cleveland pitching this season. Kody Clemens drew a leadoff walk in the fourth inning against Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee, and Matt Wallner followed with a two-run homer to right field.

Wallner, who has 14 homers and 24 RBIs this year, drilled a down-the-middle change-up 419 feet. It was his third home run in his past six games.

Alan Roden led off the fifth inning with a double, his first hit with his new organization. Two pitches later, Trevor Larnach singled to center and Roden beat a strong throw from center fielder Schneemann as he slid at the plate. Royce Lewis later added an RBI double that he shot down the third base line.

The Twins’ two-run lead, their first lead since Monday, lasted only four batters into the next half-inning.