Half of the Twins' double-play combination came out of spring training on a roll. Half is hoping to jump-start the season in Kansas City.
Eduardo Escobar and Brian Dozier had wildly divergent experiences in Baltimore, though both felt the sting of the Twins' 0-3 start. Escobar is the Twins' hottest hitter so far, collecting five hits in three games against the Orioles — four of them doubles.
That's half of the Twins' eight doubles on the season, all by himself, but collecting two-base hits seems to be a specialty of the Twins' shortstop. He now owns 70 since the beginning of the 2014 season, behind only Trevor Plouffe (75) and his close pal Dozier (72) for the Twins' lead.
"He has a knack for splitting the outfielders with where he hits the ball," manager Paul Molitor said last week. "A power-alley guy."
Dozier is more of a pull hitter, but so far, he's had no luck at all. The Twins' All-Star second baseman is 0-for-11 this season, with a walk and a sacrifice bunt.
How rare is a three-game hitless streak? Dozier had only two all of last season.
The Twins now head to Kansas City, the home of the world champions, which oddly may be what Dozier needs. He'll face righthander Yordano Ventura on Friday, a pitcher he's 4-for-12 against in his career.
