A brutal stretch in front of a home crowd continues
On a beautiful summer evening in front of just under 18,000 at Target Field, including myself, the Minnesota Twins were once again outmatched, falling 11–2 to the Seattle Mariners. It’s a trend that’s grown all too familiar in recent weeks.
The loss marks the Twins’ 10th in their last 11 games, a stretch that has tested the patience and optimism of fans hoping to see this team turn the corner. Minnesota’s ongoing struggles with pitching and situational hitting were on full display Monday night.
Bailey Ober came out firing early, striking out JRod and The Big Dumper in the first. But it all unraveled in the third—giving up six runs that put the game firmly in Seattle’s control. It was Ober’s ninth consecutive start without recording a win, and concerns are mounting as his fastball velocity continues to dip and opposing hitters have been capitalizing on every mistake. That being said, he did pitch seven innings, throwing 102 pitches. Seven was the theme tonight for Ober: 7 IP, 7 R, 7 ER, 7 K, 0 BB. He’s now 4-5 on the season with an ERA of 4.90.
The Mariners, meanwhile, flexed their offensive depth with four home runs on the night and power up and down the lineup. Polanco was in the four-hole, but he went Ofer. The rest jumped on every opportunity the Twins gave them, and once they seized momentum in the third, they never let go. Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 32nd home run on the season in the 9th.
Cal Raleigh with his 32nd. #Mariners pic.twitter.com/dmvQMXXA9S
— Kamie Roesler (@KamieRoeslerTC) June 24, 2025
Pardon my blurry camera. It’s not like I do this for a living or anything… (I do.)
Julio Rodriguez (11,) Luke Raley (3,) and Dominic Canzone (4) all went deep as well. Also a fan was able to bring a trident into the game. I get in trouble for bringing in a broom, but this guy can bring a trident? After further investigation it seemed as though he probably brought it collapsed in his bag and then was able to easily whip it out. Also a trident is significantly cooler than a broom.
They won’t let me bring my full-sized broom into the game, but this guy can bring a trident?! (and yes, I realize I haven’t needed the broom lately, no comments on that please) #GoTwins pic.twitter.com/u5daUMbi7M
— Kamie Roesler (@KamieRoeslerTC) June 24, 2025
Minnesota managed just seven hits, with the lone bright spot coming in the form of back-to-back solo home runs by Trevor Larnach and Carlos Correa. Bryan Woo was able to take down the Twins tonight particularly with his fastball and sinker, at one point fanning four in a row. He pitched six innings, giving up six hits, striking out nine and giving up the two solo home runs. He is now 7-4 on the season with a 3.12 ERA.
Despite yet another loss, fans enjoyed a picture-perfect night at the ballpark. The Twins have three more games in this four-game series against Seattle, which could matter when it comes to any wildcard tiebreakers down the stretch. We will see. Regardless, some wins are needed for morale in the clubhouse and in the stands.
What’s next?
On the mound for the Twins is Chris Paddack (3-6, 4.48) and Luis Castillo (4-5, 3.38) for Seattle. Game time is 6:40 pm.