Brighter days are ahead, I hope.
That game can be summed up in three words: Hard to watch.
The Twins were no-hit into the 7th inning. On top of that the score was 9-0 in the third, and Willi Castro came into pitch because the Twins were getting blown out, yes, to the White Sox.
If some haven’t purchased the new Twins.TV package yet, fans just might not after this season-opening performance.
Monday against the White Sox started as a punch to the gut, first an Andrew Vaughn three-run home run to left center, then a bases loaded sac fly followed by an Andrew Benintendi three-run shot in the 2nd. White Sox took an early 7-0 lead and never looked back. This all while the windy city was working with a wind chill of 34° F.
Chris Paddack made his first start for the Twins on Monday, opening a three-game series against the White Sox. Through three and one-third innings he gave up three home runs, nine earned runs, and walked four to accumulate an ERA of 27. He finished with 89 pitches.
On the other side of things, familiar face, Martín Pérez got the best of the Twins. The former Twin pitched shutout baseball giving up no hits in six innings. He left the game with 93 pitches, 54 strikes.
It’s hard to understand how a team can look so deflated to start the season. We know there are injuries and illnesses, but that doesn’t explain enough. The pitching is not there. The hitting is not there, and the competition is not top-tier. The Cardinals and White Sox have torn the Twins pitching to shreds.
In the third inning Michael A. Taylor hit a home run to straight away center. The problem is, he doesn’t play for the Twins anymore, but for the White Sox.
The White Sox don’t need those damn torpedo bats! Michael A Taylor rips the 3rd home run of the game for the Sox!
They scored NINE (9!) runs in 3 innings!pic.twitter.com/JrCALxREtY
— Just Another Year: White Sox (@JAYChi_WhiteSox) March 31, 2025
Baldelli pulled Correa and Buxton early once the game was out of hand. Edouard Julien pinch hit for Byron Buxton and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. for Carlos Correa in the fourth.
A positive for the Twins: Willi Castro. In 13 ABs Castro has 5 hits, one home run and broke up the no-hitter today.
The questions now are:
- How can a team start the season so lifeless?
- Will Rocco Baldelli make it to the Twins home opener without being fired?
- When will the Twins win a game?
The worst start for the Minnesota Twins was in 2016 when the team began the season 0-9. While we aren’t there yet, this start has that feel. That was an atrocious season for the Twins, finishing last in the American League Central with a record of 59-103.
The season is young. The Twins are playing last year’s worst team in baseball. There is promise ahead.
Looking to Tuesday, Simeon Woods Richardson will take the mound against Shane Smith. Wednesday, Pablo will get another shot at up against Sean Burke, and the home opener will be Joe Ryan’s day.
Brighter days ahead. Go Twins.