Just a short month ago, it appeared the Twins were all but a lock to make the playoffs. But they were never able to stop the bleeding from their August struggles, and after Friday night’s 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles in Minneapolis, they were officially eliminated from postseason contention.
It’s a stunning collapse from a team that won the American League Central division and a playoff series a season ago. The Twins (82-78) were firmly in control of their own destiny at the beginning of the month. For most of the season, they were still in position to compete for the division title.
They could have even lived to see another day had they won Friday night. The Kansas City Royals lost to the Atlanta Braves, keeping a slim sliver of hope alive for the Twins to claim a wild-card spot…