Royce Lewis and Twins' Pitching Staff Provide Hope Despite Series Loss

Minnesota's young stars and improved pitching offer optimism despite opening series defeat to Orioles.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and yellows, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.Royce Lewis' power and the Twins' pitching depth offer hope for a surprising season in the AL Central.Baltimore Today

The Minnesota Twins may have lost their opening series against the Baltimore Orioles, but there were still plenty of positive signs for the team. Royce Lewis hit two home runs, while the Twins' pitching staff, led by strong outings from Joe Ryan and Taj Bradley, showed promise despite the series defeat.

Why it matters

The Twins were expected to struggle this season after a quiet offseason, but their performance against the improved Orioles suggests they could be a surprise contender in the AL Central. Royce Lewis' power and the team's pitching depth provide hope that Minnesota may be able to challenge the division's top teams.

The details

In the series opener, Twins starter Joe Ryan went 5.1 innings, allowing no runs on one hit while striking out seven. On Saturday, Taj Bradley had a solid 4.1-inning start, giving up one run on three hits with nine strikeouts in a 4-1 Twins win. Royce Lewis, the Twins' oft-injured young star, hit a two-run homer in that game and another on Sunday, though the Twins ultimately lost 8-6 in the series finale.

  • On March 30, the Twins opened their season against the Orioles.
  • On March 30, Joe Ryan had a strong 5.1-inning start for the Twins.
  • On March 31, Taj Bradley pitched well in a Twins win.
  • On March 31, Royce Lewis hit a two-run homer for the Twins.
  • On April 2, Royce Lewis hit another home run, but the Twins lost 8-6.

The players

Royce Lewis

A young Twins star who hit two home runs in the opening series despite the team's series loss.

Joe Ryan

The Twins' starting pitcher who had a strong outing in the series opener, going 5.1 innings and allowing no runs on one hit.

Taj Bradley

The Twins' starting pitcher who had a solid 4.1-inning start in the team's only win of the series, giving up one run on three hits with nine strikeouts.

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What they’re saying

“The Twins got a gem from Joe Ryan on Opening Day and a solid start from Taj Bradley, providing some hope the rotation could still be a strength. Oft-injured Royce Lewis homered twice in three games as he once again teases star potential.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

If Royce Lewis can stay healthy and continue to produce at the plate, and the Twins' pitching staff can build on their strong opening series performances, the team could emerge as a surprise contender in the AL Central.

The takeaway

Despite losing their opening series against the Orioles, the Twins showed promising signs with their young star Royce Lewis and a pitching staff that delivered solid outings. If they can build on these early-season positives, Minnesota may be able to challenge the division's top teams and exceed low preseason expectations.