Stanzel’s Sports Takeout — BREAKING NEWS: 7.8.24
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The Takeout is back! Real life got busy and stayed busy through dance nationals, but home after a national championship to write more about sports every Mon-Wed-Fri.
My latest column for Pulltab is on Suni Lee’s Olympic comeback, through the eyes of her elementary school physical educaton teacher. I’ll be taping a Make Glove Not W.A.R. Twins podcast later this week.
Can’t catch up on two months in a day, we’ll start with the latest and greatest
Correa Named to All-Star Team; Hit by Pitch Against Former Team
For the first time with the Twins, Carlos Correa will represent the American League in the All-Star Game in a week in Arlington, Texas. A notorious slow starter (or at least we excused him for that the last two seasons), Correa has been a bonafide All-Star in the first half, and a big reason the Twins are scoring runs and firmly in second place in the AL Central.
Correa’s participation in the game, as well as action this week, seemed in doubt when he was hit by a pitch on his wrist yesterday against his former team, the Astros. But Correa said he’d be in the lineup tonight against the historically-bad (26-66) White Sox.
In said game versus Houston, Christian Vazquez hit a stunning walk-off homer against Houston closer Josh Hader for a 3-2 win.
It’s been quite a couple weeks for the Twins, who lost future league MVP Royce Lewis to an adductor strain. Lewis hopes to be back soon after the All-Star Break. Jose Miranda, a breakout star two years ago then banished to Triple-A for poor play, had a hit in 12 straight at bats over the weekend to tie the MLB record.
If I’d have told you three months ago that Pablo Lopez would have an ERA over 5, and the Twins’ 51-39 record would be fourth in the AL, you’d have taken it. They’re six back of Cleveland, but have picked up two games in the last 10 days.
Sure would be nice if the majority of Minnesotans could watch this team on TV…
Lynx Lead the West; Collier Hurt
The good news is that the 15-6 Lynx lead the West with four games left before the Olympic Break. But they’re likely to be without star Napheesa Collier due to a plantar fasciitis injury that leaves her Olypmic participation for Team USA in doubt.
Minnesota is at L.A. on Tuesday to begin a two-game road trip before Caitlin Clark makes her first appearance in Minneapolis since the Big 10 Tournament on Sunday, July 14.
Wolves Officially Move on from Slow Mo, McLaughlin
The Wolves were part of a multi-team trade that got them a couple WAY in the future draft picks. It allowed Kyle Anderson to move to Golden State. Additionally, Jordan McLaughlin, who was not in the Wolves’ rotation in the playoffs, signed a one-year deal with the Kings.
Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in the NBA Draft last month, made both expendable.
Struggling Loons Lose Sixth Straight
Many expected this to be a rebuilding year for the Loons under a new coach, but a strong start seemed to have them poised for a playoff run. But they’re now on the outside of the top nine looking in after 22 of 34 games .
The Loons have now lost a franchise-record six in a row and are winless in seven after losing last night in L.A.
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