The Sports Xchange
May 18, 2017
MINNEAPOLIS -- Jose Berrios dazzled with a career-high 11 strikeouts and gave up just two hits in his second start of the season for the Minnesota Twins in a 2-0 win against the Colorado Rockies in Game 2 of a double header on Thursday.
Max Kepler and Robbie Grossman each had two hits and an RBI for Minnesota, which salvaged the second game after a 5-1 loss earlier in the day.
Berrios (2-0), the Twins' top pitching prospect, held Colorado hitless through four innings and walked one batter in his 16th career start. Brandon Kintzler allowed a single and a walk in the ninth but closed out his 11th save in 12 chances.
Tyler Chatwood (3-6) walked a season-high five batters and surrendered five hits and two runs.
Nolan Arenado homered, and German Marquez (2-2) pitched five innings and allowed one run for the Rockies in the win in the first game. Mark Reynolds added a two-run single as the Rockies tied for second in the majors with their 13th road win of the season.
Ervin Santana (6-2) took the loss in the opener for Minnesota, allowing five runs in seven innings.
Berrios looked like Santana has much of the season in the second game. He controlled his fastball and displayed a devastating slider to keep Colorado off-balance.
The highly touted right-hander struck out seven of the first 13 batters he faced and held the Rockies hitless through four innings. Berrios hit two batters in the first two innings but stranded each with strikeouts.
Gerardo Parra had Colorado's first hit to lead off the fifth but he was caught stealing on a missed hit-and-run play.
Max Kepler singled to center in the first to drive in Grossman. Chatwood struggled with command throughout but was able to hold Minnesota in check. Grossman plated Ehire Adrianza with a single in the fourth.
NOTES: Minnesota RHP Jose Berrios' 11 strikeouts were the most by a Twins pitcher since Ervin Santana had 10 against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 21, 2016. ... Colorado manager Bud Black said SS Trevor Story (left shoulder strain) would start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday. Story has hit with the team and fielded ground balls to test his non-throwing shoulder and had no issues. ... Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said LHP Adalberto Mejia would be recalled to fill the open spot in the team's rotation and start on Saturday. Mejia started the season with the Twins, going 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts as a rookie. ... Wednesday's rainout was the fourth this season for Minnesota and the second at home. The Twins have played the fewest games in the majors. ... The Rockies travel to Cincinnati for a weekend series against the Reds. Minnesota hosts Kansas City.