[Nick Soulis]

Series #202



2011 Colorado Rockies
Record: 73-89
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Jim Tracy
Ball Park: Coors Field
WAR Leader: Troy Tulowitski (6.2)
Franchise Record: 2-3
2011 Season Record: 3-5
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/COL/2011.shtml

2014 Minnesota Twins
Record: 70-92
Finish: 5th in AL Central
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Ball Park: Target Field
WAR Leader: Brian Dozier (5.5)
Franchise Record: 3-2
2014 Season Record: 0-0
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2014.shtml
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Game 1
At Coors Field
2014 Minnesota Twins 13
2011 Colorado Rockies 2
WP: P. Hughes (1-0) LP: U. Jimenez (0-1)
HR: O. Arcia (1), D. Santana (1), S. Smith (1)
POG: Danny Santana (3-6, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R)
2014 Twins Lead Series 2-0

Under the crisp October skies at a wind-swept Coors Field, the 2014 Minnesota Twins unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught to claim Game 1 of the Field of Dreams Series #202 with a 13–2 demolition of the 2011 Colorado Rockies. Shortstop Danny Santana led the charge, going 3-for-6 with a three-run homer, a double, and five RBIs to earn Player of the Game honors. The Twins struck early and often, scoring nine runs in the first three innings off a beleaguered Ubaldo Jimenez and Jhoulys Chacín, and racking up 19 hits on the night. Phil Hughes delivered a masterful performance on the mound, allowing just two runs over 8.1 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Colorado managed only a solo homer from Seth Smith and an RBI single from Ty Wigginton, as their offense fizzled under the lights. Despite three double plays turned by the Rockies in the field, their pitching staff could not stop the bleeding, with Rafael Betancourt and Drew Pomeranz surrendering late insurance runs. Minnesota takes a commanding 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven, with Game 2 set for tomorrow night in Denver.

Game 2
At Coors Field
2014 Minnesota Twins 4
2011 Colorado Rockies 3
WP: K. Gibson (1-0) LP: F. Paulino (0-1) S: G. Perkins (1)
HR: None
POG: Kyle Gibson (5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 111 P)
2014 Twins Lead Series 2-0

At a crisp 54-degree Field of Dreams setting in Denver, the 2014 Minnesota Twins edged the 2011 Colorado Rockies 4-3 in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series, seizing a commanding 2-0 lead. Kyle Gibson earned Player of the Game honors with a gritty 5.2-inning outing, striking out two while navigating traffic and overcoming a pair of wild pitches. All four of Minnesota’s runs came in a decisive second inning, punctuated by Brian Dozier’s clutch two-out, two-run double off Felipe Paulino. Though the Rockies clawed back with a run in the second and two more in the fourth—thanks to hits from Carlos Gonzalez and Todd Helton—the Twins’ bullpen slammed the door. Caleb Thielbar, Casey Fien, and Glen Perkins combined for 3.1 innings of hitless relief, preserving the narrow victory. Despite outhitting Colorado 12 to 7, Minnesota left 11 runners on base, giving the Rockies chances to rally late. Game 3 heads to Target Field on Tuesday, where the Rockies will fight to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.