Twins Struggle as Cardinals Sweep Opening Series

ST. LOUIS — The Minnesota Twins endured a challenging start to the 2025 season, dropping their third consecutive game on Sunday as they fell 9-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals. This defeat continues a troubling trend for the team, placing them at 0-3 for only the sixth time in their storied 65-year history.

Twins pitcher Bailey Ober faced significant difficulties on the mound, giving up eight runs over just two innings, including two three-run homers. Ober’s performance was reminiscent of his disastrous 2024 debut, where he allowed eight runs in less than an inning against the Kansas City Royals, and now bugs Minnesota fans as their pitching woes seem consistent.

“It’s tough to adjust when you give up runs like that,” Ober said after the game. “I need to find a way to settle in quicker and help keep our team competitive.”

Ober started off the game with potential, as the Twins took an early lead courtesy of a first-inning bloop single from Byron Buxton, driving in Matt Wallner. However, it wasn’t long before the Cardinals struck back, starting with Victor Scott II’s 396-foot home run in the second inning that opened the floodgates against Ober.

In the third inning, Ober’s troubles continued as he allowed a series of hits that culminated in Pedro Pagés hitting a three-run homer that sent the ball to the Twins’ bullpen. With Ober giving up consecutive hits and runs, the team faced an uphill battle they could not overcome.

Meanwhile, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed frustration regarding the lack of offensive support. The struggling lineup managed only four hits against Cardinals starter Andre Pallante, who kept the Minnesota offense at bay.

“We’re not combining good at-bats with any consistency,” Baldelli said. “We need to find a way to string some hits together and support our pitchers. It’s been a tough start.”

Despite the loss, there was a silver lining for the Twins in the form of Willi Castro, who managed to hit a two-run homer, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling offense. Castro, reflecting on his home run, noted, “We need to build off the small successes. If we keep fighting, we’ll find a way to win.”

The Twins’ dismal performance, where they have now been outscored 19-6 in the three-game series against the Cardinals, highlights ongoing issues the franchise has faced over recent seasons. The previous season ended with a losing streak, and this new year has begun with more struggles.

Looking for a turnaround, Baldelli acknowledged that it’s early in the season. “We’ve got a long way to go. There are plenty of games ahead to make it right,” he said. “We just have to keep our heads up, and hopefully things can turn around.”

The Twins will strive for their first win as they head into their next game, hoping to shake off the early season woes that have plagued them. Fans are left hoping the franchise can capitalize on their talented roster and improve their chances in the coming weeks.