Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 9-5-23.
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Happy first day of school. Celebrated with a Birria Grilled Cheese (limited time) at The Mason Jar in Eagan.
The Vikings host Tampa Bay on Sunday as the 2023 NFL season finally begins.
The Gophers will try to go 2-0 against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
Twins Obliterate Guardians Behind Another Lewis Grand Slam
Imagine this if you will. The Cleveland Guardians claimed three solid pitchers off waivers last week (likely away from the Twins), started one of them, yet by the sixth inning of Monday’s eries opener against the Twins, they had a position player pitching.
The Twins demolished Cleveland every which way, 20-6, with Royce Lewis’ third grand slam in eight games leading the way. I’ll have a fun Lewis feature later this week for Pulltab Sports.
The game was 9-0 before the Guardians even took a breath.
Some crazy items from the game.
Edouard Julien went 0-for-3 but scored three times because he was walked three times.
Joey Gallo had two hits, including his 21st home run. He had hit the ball out of the infield ONE TIME since August 12, going 1-for-25. Now, Gallo’s 458-homer did come off Guardians catcher David Fry, who threw the pitch 59 m.p.h.
Fry threw four innings! He gave up seven runs, which is two less than starter Lucas Giolito gave up in three innings.
Twins utility outfielder Willi Castro actually pitched the ninth, allowing three runs, or the final score could have been worse.
So with 24 games left, including the next two head to head, the Twins’ lead in the Central is six games. They say momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. Well the Twins have Sonny Gray going…
Lynx Headed to Post-Season
Despite losing their first six games of the season, the Lynx has qualified for the playoffs. They’ve won their last two to move to 19-19 with two games left.
Minnesota is currently in fifth - 1.5 games back of Dallas. They’re likely playoff opponents, but Dallas would have home court barring a miracle.
The Lynx play at Chicago on Friday and in Indiana on Sunday before the playoffs start next week.
Loons Tie in San Jose, Sit in Seventh
The Loons got one - but not three - points in a critical Western Conference matchup against the team closest to them in the standings, San Jose. Of course, they didn’t give the Earthquake three points, either. The teams tied 1-1 in northern California on Saturday.
Teemu Pukki scored in the fourth minute, and the Loons held on for dear life to get the one point. The Loons are in seventh, technically even with the eighth-place Earthquake but having a game in hand.
The Loons host New England on Saturday.
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