The Minnesota Twins not only ended a five-game losing streak with Monday's 11-4 win over the Seattle Mariners, but the game had several encouraging developments. One of them was starting pitcher Connor Prielipp, who earned the victory in his second career MLB start.
Prielipp allowed just two runs on one hit over five innings, with five strikeouts against three walks. The southpaw outperformed three-time All-Star Luis Castillo, who allowed seven runs on seven hits over five frames for the Mariners.
Prielipp only allowed runs in a low-leverage spot, as the Twins scored seven before Seattle tacked on two in the top of the fifth. Catcher Mitch Garver hit an RBI single before second baseman Cole Young hit a sacrifice fly. However, the rookie hurler then struck out third baseman Leo Rivas and right fielder Rob Refsnyder to end his night.
Prielipp has a long way to go before becoming a core piece of the pitching staff, but Monday was a landmark moment in his career. Not only was it the Wisconsin native's first big-league win, but he was effective against a Seattle squad that came within one win of a World Series appearance last year.
Prielipp, who is Minnesota's No. 5-ranked prospect, made his MLB debut against the New York Mets on Wednesday. The former Alabama Crimson Tide hurler allowed two runs on four hits over four innings in the 3-2 defeat, with six strikeouts against no walks. He also threw 52 strikes out of 82 pitches.
Prielipp was more efficient on Monday, as he threw just two more pitches over five innings. That's partially because the only hit he allowed was Garver's single, which showed why the Twins have invested in him.
Minnesota drafted Prielipp No. 48 overall in 2022, and he logged a 3.72 ERA over 39 minor-league outings (37 starts) before getting called up for Wednesday's game. He also notched a 2.30 ERA over four Triple-A appearances (three starts) this season.
If Prielipp maintains his current momentum, he could become one of Minnesota's most promising young pitchers alongside 25-year-old Taj Bradley (3-1, 2.91 ERA) and 24-year-old Mick Abel (1-2, 3.98 ERA). Given that the club likely won't contend for a title this season, a breakout campaign from young players is the best-case scenario.
Meanwhile, the Twins' offense was humming on Monday. The squad had 12 hits, including a two-run homer by star outfielder Byron Buxton in the fourth. Catcher Ryan Jeffers led the way with five RBIs.
Minnesota is now 13-16 after the victory. Up next is a rematch against Seattle at 7:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Ace pitcher Joe Ryan will start against right-hander Logan Gilbert.