Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 8-2-23.

Sports That Aren't HockeyTwinsVikings

Aug 2

Written By Ryan Stanzel

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Welcome to the last month without a hockey game until July 2024.

U.S. plays Sweden in the round of 16 Sunday at 4 a.m.

Loons play Columbus in the round of 32 of the Leagues Cup Friday.

At least you’re not a Mets fan..

Twins Stand Pat, Beat Cardinals

The Twins made news by not making news - not improving their middle-of-the-road lineup at the trade deadline - but after a 3-2 win over St. Louis, Minnesota has a two-game lead over Cleveland. The Twins have the largest division lead in the American League.

Honestly, I’m not sure what people wanted Tad Levine and company to do. Last year’s moves did NOT work out - in fact, backfired. You don’t have high level prospects you want to give up. I’m a little surprised they didn’t try to move Sonny Gray just because there’s zero chance he’ll return next year, and he has some value.

However, with Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez and Gray at the top of the rotation, this team can be a threat in any series. I’m not sure one more right handed bat would have gotten them any closer to a series win. Cleveland is doing its best to gift the Twins the division.

Lopez was good yesterday, allowing one run in six innings. Pagan, Jax and Duran each pitched an inning in relief. Pagan’s ERA is down to 3.23, and he’s truly turned his career around.