Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 8-11-23.

Aug 11

Tell a friend to sign up for The Takeout today: https://cutt.ly/5jc87CG.

Let’s end Ding Dong Ditch as the teenage prank, ok? Read a book. Or The Takeout.

The latest Make Glove not W.A.R. at Pulltab Sports focuses on why the Twins were smart to stand pat at the deadline, and why I think they’ll win a playoff series (this was written before the last two days).

Vikings Falter in Second Half, Lose to Seahawks

I incorrectly said the starters would be out 15 minutes into last night’s Vikings’ pre-season opener in Seattle. Nine of the 11 on offense didn’t even start, but the “first unit” that did play did just fine. But the Seahawks scrubs were better, and they outlasted the Vikings 24-13.

Minnesota was up 10-0 in the second quarter. Nick Mullens (14-for-20, 139 yards) and Ty Chandler (11 carries, 41 yards) definitely have a leg up on the backup roles for their respective positions. No. 1 pick Jordan Allison showed flashes of brilliance.

Tough to read too much into any pre-season game, especially the first. But remember we’re down to three total make believe games before the regular season starts. Week 1 sets up to be rusty for more than a few teams, I imagine.

The Vikings host Tennessee next Saturday, Aug. 19.

Loons in Leagues Cup Quarters Tonight in Nashville

Okay I’ve bought into this Leagues Cup between MLS and Liga MX. The Loons play in a quarterfinal match in Nashville tonight. All four best-of-eight matchups are tonight, and while the Loons would play either L.A. or Monterrey in the semifinals, all eyes (especially in the Loons box office) are on Lionel Messi and Miami, which plays Charlotte.

The semifinals are Tuesday, and the Final on Saturday, Aug. 19, potentially at Allianz Field.

Twins Beaten Thrice by Lowly Tigers

Shame on us, really. Beginning to believe this Twins team will cruise to a division title in the midst of five straight wins, Minnesota dropped the final three of a four-game set to lowly Detroit. They gave up 17 hits Wednesday in a 9-5 loss, then couldn’t muster a run and had just two hits in a 3-0 loss yesterday.

Kenta Maeda allowed just a run in six innings but dropped to 3-7 despite a pretty good 3.97 ERA.

The Twins are in Philly tonight beginning a three-game set. Dallas Keuchel makes his second start for Minnesota after yielding a run in five innings on Sunday.

Lynx Blown Out by Eastern Worst Indiana

In what was supposed to be a cure for their recent woes, the Lynx lost for the third time in four games, getting blown out 91-73 last night in Indiana. The Fever entered the game last in the East and with the second worst record overall in the WNBA.

The Lynx has an eight-day break.