The big headline in this game: Luke Keaschall joined the Twins tonight as the designated hitter, making his major-league debut as the team’s No. 8 hitter. He was called up to replace Matt Wallner, the team’s best hitter thus far who landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury. The pressure was on for Keaschall to help spark a struggling offense and he was ready to deliver.

Coming off a series victory against the Mets that culminated with a walk-off on Wednesday, the Twins hoped they were building a little momentum as they headed into Atlanta to face a Braves that has struggled about as much as they have in the early going.

Braves pitcher Bryce Elder appeared locked in the first inning, but back-to-back doubles from Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers soon brought the first run of the game. In his first at-bat, Keaschall got his first major league hit and his first RBI, scoring Jeffers to give the Twins a 2-0 lead and then stealing second for good measure.

Keaschall would add a double down the left field line in his second at-bat, helping the Twins build a 4-0 lead by the end of the fourth inning. Things were moving along pretty smoothly up to this point.

Chris Paddack allowed pitched well for a second straight outing, holding up the lead through his five innings of work. After a rough start, Paddack continues to bring down his ERA and look better each time out. His first game against the White Sox, he allowed nine earned runs. Since then he has a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings.

Louis Varland came in to replace Paddack for the sixth inning. Paddack left with 88 pitches and just one run allowed. Varland stayed on the mound for mere moments getting the Braves out on defensive plays and striking out Sean Murphy to shut down the inning. Varland has been on fire this season, a testament to the work he’s done with pitching coach Pete Maki to harness his potential as a reliever.

Coming off an off day, the bullpen was fresh and fully stocked. Danny Coulombe came out for the seventh for Varland to keep the Braves from getting on the board. The Braves kept battling, but couldn’t get around the defense from the Twins.

Griffin Jax whose blown lead on Wednesday forced the Twins to win in extras, was Rocco Baldelli’s choice tonight with a three-run lead in the eighth. Jax set down the first hitter with a strike out, but walked Marcel Ozuna and things snowballed from there. Matt Olson ripped a sharp line drive to right field advancing Ozuna, threatening with first and third and only one out.

Ozzie Albies hit an infield single to Ty France, who dove for the ball, making a mistake by not letting Edouard Julien field it. Ozuna scored on the play. Jax followed with yet another walk, loading the bases, and got pulled in favor of Cole Sands. Back-to-back singles cemented the meltdown and put the Braves ahead 6-4.

The Twins went quietly in the ninth, and another heartbreaking loss was in the books. Jax now has an 11.25 ERA on the season.

What’s Next? 
The Twins are in Atlanta this weekend to hopefully pull off another series win. Simeon Woods Richardson (1-1; 4.30 ERA) will be taking the mound against veteran Chris Sale (0-2; 6.63 ERA) at 6:15PM CST.

Post Game Interviews
N/A Apple TV

Bullpen Report