Before this year, the Minnesota Twins had lost their last 18 postseason games dating to 2004.
They also hadn’t won a postseason series since 2002.
Both those streaks are now, mercifully, over.
With a 2-0 victory on Wednesday over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Twins swept them in the AL Wild Card round and are advancing to the Division Series, where they will play the Houston Astros.
Twins fans had to wait 21 years to see their team leave behind another squad in the playoffs.
“A moment 21 years in the making for the @Twins. #CLINCHED,” MLB tweeted.
Of course, there is a video of the last out, earned by flame-throwing closer Jhoan Duran.
A moment 21 years in the making for the @Twins. #CLINCHED
(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/LRSica0uJ7
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2023
Duran allowed a hit, but struck out three hitters in the ninth inning to secure his team’s ticket to the Division Series.
The celebration in the crowd at Target Field and from the players on the field was something they won’t forget for their entire lifetime.
More than two decades came and went before Minnesota could enjoy a moment like this.
Now, the Twins will take on the Astros starting on Saturday.
Both teams are actually very close in talent, with one specific thing working in each one’s favor.
Houston has all the experience in the world, having made the last six Championship Series and winning two World Series over that span.
Minnesota, on the other hand, will get to the first game with more rhythm by virtue of playing two games this week: Houston hasn’t played since Sunday.
It will be a fun matchup.
