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34 SPORTS AWEMainta Diahuebs, 5 October 2023

Royce Lewis:

A Twin’s Heroic Journey Ignites

Hope in Historic Playoff Victory

IN a remarkable twist of fate, the 2030 MLB Playoffs have
seen a resurgence from the Minnesota Twins, thanks to their

rookie sensation, Royce Lewis. This young talent, who has
faced a series of setbacks, has emerged as the beacon of
hope for the Twins after a cathartic two-homer performance.

Time and again, Royce Lewis has expressed his unwavering
desire to be a part of the Minnesota Twins, regardless of the
challenges he’s faced. His journey to the MLB, which began
in 2022, was marked by five years of perseverance after

being the top pick in the MLB Draft. He navigated an unpre-
dictable minor league career, the lost 2020 season, and
a torn ACL in 2021. When he finally made his MLB debut,
he harbored dreams of showcasing his skills, enjoying the

game, and contributing to victories.

Even when his availability for the AL wild-card series against stationary bike, his teammates rallied behind him, clinching
the Toronto Blue Jays was in doubt due to a hamstring their first playoff berth since 2020.

injury, Lewis’s commitment to the team shone through. He
expressed his willingness to do whatever it took, whether as For Lewis and starting pitcher Pablo Lopez, who had never
a designated hitter or a cheerleader, to support his team- played in a playoff game, the significance of breaking the
mates without becoming a hindrance. franchise’s 18-game postseason losing streak was immense.

They felt the collective desire of the Target Field crowd,
As fate would have it, Lewis exceeded all expectations. In yearning for a triumphant moment.
Game 1 of the playoffs, the 24-year-old rookie notched two Lewis, relatively inexperienced in the designated hitter
home runs in his first two at-bats, electrifying the Twins’ role, sought guidance from Byron Buxton on how to stay

lineup and securing a 3-1 victory by driving in all three runs. prepared. He reveled in the excitement and nerves of the
This remarkable performance shattered the dark clouds of game, describing it as the most thrilling experience of his
injuries and postseason disappointments, ending the Twins’ life.
18-game losing streak in the playoffs.

With two monumental home runs off Kevin Gausman, Lewis
This adversity extended to other key players like Byron not only lit up the scoreboard but also symbolically dispelled
Buxton, Carlos Correa, and manager Rocco Baldelli, all the gloom that had lingered over the Twins. Becoming the
dealing with their own share of setbacks. The Twins, despite 10th player ever to hit two homers in his first MLB post-

boasting a trio of elite talents in Lewis, Buxton, and Correa, season game added to his growing list of accomplishments,
have seldom witnessed these stars all fully healthy at the which includes five grand slams in his young career and
same time. Surprisingly, Lewis, with just 58 games played, homering in his debut as a professional.
registered the highest WAR among this talented trio during

the 2023 regular season. While two home runs, a defensive gem, and a single playoff
victory can’t erase the painful memories of the past or
The Twins’ success in the 2023 season can be attributed recover lost time, Royce Lewis has illuminated the Twins’
to their revamped starting rotation and contributions from future with a brighter and lighter outlook. He has rekindled

lesser-known players like Willi Castro, Edouard Julien, and the team’s belief in their potential and the limitless possibili-
Matt Wallner. While Lewis underwent MRIs and recovery on a ties that lie ahead.