There was a decent chance that Joe Ryan and Hunter Brown, Saturday’s starters, would provide a pitcher’s duel. But Brandon Walter, making just his third-career start and Simeon Woods Richardson,

Sunday’s finale against the Astros ended in heartbreak for the Twins. After carrying a 1–0 lead into the bottom of the ninth, the team saw Houston tie the game and force extras. With the new extra-innings rule in place, the Twins started the 10th with a runner on second base. But what happened next raised eyebrows.

The Twins’ 2-1, 10-inning loss to the Astros at Daikin Park on Sunday reflected what has been a scuffling Minnesota offense. One exception: Brooks Lee, who homered as part of a 3-for-4 day that extended the Major Leagues’ longest active hitting streak to 15 games.

Swept in Houston, the Twins have lost five of their last six series and are 10-15 overall since the 13-game winning streak ended.

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton has been scratched from the lineup a day after being hit on the left elbow by a pitch.

Mickey Gasper has been among the best hitters in the minor leagues this year, hitting .344 with a 1.106 OPS as he torments Triple-A pitchers. But when the Twins needed a player to replace Royce

Simeon Woods Richardson made only his second start since May 14, and he made drastic improvements from his six earned run outing on Tuesday against the Rangers. He allowed only one hit and one walk in five innings of work, with four strikeouts. It was his first start this season without allowing a run.