The Twins’ almost improbable streak of playoff futility has finally come to an end.
On the strength of a terrific start from Pablo Lopez and two homers from Royce Lewis, Minnesota snapped its 18-game playoff losing skid — the longest in the four major North American sports — with a 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday afternoon in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series.
“It was a blessing to play today. That atmosphere was electric,” said Lewis, whose two-run shot off Kevin Gausman in the first inning and leadoff drive in the third sent the sellout crowd into a frenzy.
It was the Twins’ first playoff win since Oct. 5, 2004, when Johan Santana shut down the Yankees in a 2-0 win in Game 1 of the Division Series.
“I thought the place was going to split open and melt, honestly,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “It was out of this universe out there on the field. The fans took over the game. They helped us win today.”
That last postseason win was so long ago that it was almost six years before the Twins played their first game in Target Field, three years before the release of the first iPhone and a month before President George W. Bush was elected to his second term in office.
“Shark Tale” was the No. 1 movie at the box office, and “Goodies” by Ciara feat. Petey Pablo was the top song sweeping the country.
Royce Lewis celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against Kevin Gausman during the Twins’ 3-1 win over the Blue Jays. Getty ImagesSo, to say the least, it had been a long time since Minnesota had last had any playoff glory.
Lewis, who was just 5 years old the last time the Twins had won in the playoffs, played a pivotal role in his first postseason game, driving in all three runs with his two longballs.
He got things started off in the first inning with a two-run shot before adding a solo blast two frames later.
Pablo Lopez walks back to the dugout after being taken out of the game in the sixth inning of the Twins’ win. Getty Images
Tuesday marked the Twins’ first playoff win since 2004. Getty ImagesLopez, a native of Venezuela, wore the jersey of his countryman Santana before the outing and did his best impression of the two-time Cy Young Award winner on the field.
The righty held Toronto in check, yielding one run on five hits over 5²/₃ frames to earn the win.
Now, the Twins have a chance to win their first postseason series since 2002 when they take on Toronto again on Wednesday afternoon in front of their home fans.
— with AP
