There are enough differences between April 2016 and April 2017 for the Twins that it's impractical to try to say which was the most significant in changing what was a 7-17 month a year ago into a 12-11 month this year.
But closer Brandon Kintzler's contributions can't be overlooked.
The Twins lost five games in April last season in which they were either tied or ahead in the eighth inning. Glen Perkins blew one save before being lost for the year due to injury. Kevin Jepsen blew two others in losses (and a third in a game the Twins ended up winning). Jepsen also gave up a run in the ninth inning of two tie games that resulted in Twins losses. Those close losses set the tone for a lost season.
This season, the Twins lost only once when carrying a lead into the eighth inning in April. Kintzler was a perfect 7-for-7 on save opportunities. In fact, he allowed his first run all year in the final game of April
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
