Marlins push Twins to brink of elimination with 8-6 win in 13 innings

Otto Lopez delivered a crucial hit in the 13th inning, bringing home the decisive run as the Miami Marlins triumphed over the struggling Minnesota Twins with a score of 8-6 on Thursday evening.

Carlos Correa contributed a home run for the Twins, who struggled significantly, going 2 for 19 with runners in scoring position and leaving 15 players on base throughout the game.

“We had every opportunity presented to us to secure a victory in that baseball game,” remarked Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers. “Our season is at stake, and we failed to execute in order to bring that run home.”

The Twins (82-77) have now lost six out of their last eight games and find themselves three games behind the Tigers and Royals in the competition for the final two American League wild card spots. A single loss or a win by either Detroit or Kansas City would result in their elimination.

“I am fully aware of our performance. I have been here, witnessed it all,” stated Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “At this moment, we are not eliminated. I refuse to adopt the mindset that we are out of contention. I am unconcerned about who is available in the bullpen tomorrow or how we performed today. My goal is to win every game from here on out and see where that leads us.”

In the 13th inning, Lopez drove in automatic runner Dane Myers with a one-out hit down the left field line against Scott Blewett (1-1). Griffin Conine then extended the lead with a two-out, two-run single off Justin Topa.

Conine expressed, "We enjoy embracing the role of the antagonist. Our intention is to be the disruptors. That was our mindset from the beginning, and we achieved a few significant victories in this series, which is fantastic."

Anthony Maldonado (1-1) secured his first career win by pitching two scoreless innings. Darren McCaughan allowed one run in the 13th inning, earning his inaugural save.

After falling behind 4-0 through five innings, the Twins mounted a comeback, equalizing with Brooks Lee’s two-run double in the eighth.

Both teams managed to score via sacrifice flies in the 10th inning.

The Twins found themselves trailing for the third consecutive game as Jake Burger’s RBI double provided Miami with a 1-0 advantage in the first inning.

Miami (59-100) removed Twins starter David Festa in the fifth inning after he permitted singles to four of the first five batters he encountered in that inning. The Marlins ultimately scored three runs through RBI singles from Xavier Edwards and Burger, along with an error by Jeffers, who mishandled a throw at the plate.

Correa initiated the sixth inning with a home run that ricocheted off the third deck's facing in left field. The Twins added another run in the seventh due to a throwing error by shortstop Edwards.

“It’s one of those moments that stings,” remarked Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. “We are aware of what is at stake, and we must continue to strive forward.”