The Twins have now won 11 straight with the sweep of the Orioles. Paddack struck out three, and issued one walk. Two of the hits were doubles, but he was able to keep Baltimore off the scoreboard with some help from his defense and solid pitching from the 29-year-old right-hander. Paddack has looked the part as of late, and it’s worth pointing out that nine of the 23 runs he’s allowed this year came in his first start. He’ll look to continue dropping his 4.05 ERA against the Guardians on Wednesday.

Is Paddack turning a corner? This was his first time pitching past the fifth inning this season and he hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start since March when the White Sox of all teams put up a nine spot on him. It was almost a year to the day — May 19th of last season — since he last pitched into the eighth inning. He was untouchable early in this game facing the minimum through his first five innings with five strikeouts and only 43 pitches thrown. Everything looked tremendously easy for him. Also, his velocity was up across the board as his fastball sat 95 mph and touched 97 mph a handful of times. He’ll look to stay hot in his next scheduled start against the Orioles.

Paddack struck out two and walked two while posting a 20 percent whiff rate and 22 percent CSW. He continues to do just enough to keep his rotation spot and hold off Zebby Matthews and David Festa, but not enough to warrant interest in fantasy leagues. He should be avoided next week against the Giants.

Paddack tossed two scoreless innings before Bo Naylor took him deep for a solo homer in the third. He settled in for two more scoreless innings, completing five frames with two strikeouts. Paddack has now allowed two runs or fewer over five innings in each of his last four starts. The 29-year-old right-hander will take a 5.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 22/14 K/BB ratio across 27 1/3 innings into a start against the Red Sox in Boston on Sunday.