In Monday’s spring training matchup against the Atlanta Braves, the Minnesota Twins faced an early setback as Zebby Matthews struggled on the mound. Despite falling behind 8-0 after the first inning, the Twins mounted a strong comeback fueled by five home runs, ultimately falling short in a tense 9-8 loss at Target Field. This Zebby Matthews spring outing highlighted both early-season difficulties and promising offensive performances for Minnesota.
Challenging Moments for Zebby Matthews on the Mound
Zebby Matthews began the game with a rough start, managing to retire two of the first three Braves batters before surrendering a string of hits and walks. Over just two-thirds of an inning, Matthews allowed four hits and two walks, resulting in six earned runs. Despite this shaky beginning, Matthews re-entered the game — per spring training rules — and stabilized his pitching over the next three innings without allowing any runs.
By the end of his 3.2 innings pitched, Matthews had recorded five strikeouts, somewhat offsetting his early struggles. Nonetheless, given the uneven performance, the Twins appear likely to assign Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul for the start of the regular season, as they prepare to open in Baltimore with a rotation featuring Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, and Mick Abel.
Twins’ Power Surge Sparks Comeback Effort
The Twins clawed their way back into the game through a series of home runs. In the third inning, with two outs and a runner on base, Royce Lewis broke the shutout by launching a 409-foot homer to left-center field off veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco. Lewis’s blast was his second home run of the spring, signaling his potential as a key offensive contributor.
When Royce Lewis lays into a pitch, it’s must-see TV. 🔥His second home run this spring.106 mph, 409 foot HR 💪#MNTwins | #MLB pic.twitter.com/R5t2EGZ3Eq
— @TalkinTwins
Following this, Luke Keaschall provided a spark with extra-base hits, setting the stage for Josh Bell to launch his first spring home run to right field, cutting the deficit to 8-4. These two blasts off Carrasco injected momentum into the Twins’ lineup and kept them within striking distance.
Rising Prospects Keep the Rally Alive
The Twins continued narrowing the gap with strong performances from promising young players. In the eighth inning, Gabriel Gonzalez extended his hot spring by hitting a solo home run, further igniting the crowd. Then, in the ninth, minor league talents Tanner Schobel and Jake Rucker both delivered home runs, bringing the Twins within one run at 9-8 and putting runners on base with two outs.
Gabriel Gonzalez just crushed one to deep left. 💪He’s now hitting .471/.474/.824 this spring. 🔥A reminder: he was a key piece of the return from Seattle in the Jorge Polanco trade back in January 2024. The Twins’ future showing up early. #MNTwins | #MLB pic.twitter.com/UlDCQoSFYa
— @TalkinTwins
Despite this late surge, the Twins’ comeback attempt ended when Aaron Sabato flew out, leaving two runners on and the deficit intact. Following the game, the Twins optioned Gonzalez and Emmanuel Rodriguez back to Triple-A, though their strong spring performances suggest they will soon be ready to contribute at the major league level.
Monday’s game highlighted the uneven nature of spring outings: while Matthews struggled early, the Twins showcased a wealth of emerging power hitters who could play pivotal roles this season. The mix of veterans and prospects battling for roster spots leaves Minnesota’s Opening Day lineup uncertain but filled with potential energy heading into the regular season.
When Royce Lewis lays into a pitch, it's must-see TV. 🔥
His second home run this spring.
106 mph, 409 foot HR 💪#MNTwins | #MLB pic.twitter.com/R5t2EGZ3Eq
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) March 9, 2026
Gabriel Gonzalez just crushed one to deep left. 💪
He’s now hitting .471/.474/.824 this spring. 🔥
A reminder: he was a key piece of the return from Seattle in the Jorge Polanco trade back in January 2024.
The Twins' future showing up early.#MNTwins | #MLB pic.twitter.com/UlDCQoSFYa
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) March 9, 2026
