Ervin Santana hasn't had back-to-back starts this bad in almost exactly a year, since he gave up five runs in three straight starts from June 4-June 14 of 2016. The Twins' ace had 10 quality starts in 14 appearances this season before Tuesday, but was working through problems from the first inning on.
Two singles in the first inning. A double in the second. Five hits, including two doubles and back-to-back homers in the third. Another double in the fourth, and two walks and a two-out triple to the No. 9 hitter in the fifth.
Yeah, it wasn't his night. Still, Santana earned his ninth victory of the season. And he also got an interesting vote of confidence from his manager, who allowed him to finish the fifth inning, even after surrendering a two-out, two-run triple to Yolmer Sanchez.
Santana sounded appreciative. "It shows he still has confidence in me," said the righthander, who struck out Adam Engel to leave Sanchez at third. "He trusts my stuff."
PHIL MILLER
