During the Twins‘ World Series runs in 1987 and ’91, fans were praised for the noise they generated in the Metrodome. Minnesota plays at Target Field now, but even in an open-air ballpark, the fans can influence a game favorably for the home team.
Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series between the Twins and Blue Jays pivoted on a crucial play when Toronto’s Vladmir Guerrero Jr. was picked off second base to end the fifth inning.
What a massive pickoff by the @Twins! #Postseason pic.twitter.com/i4g9ULQmjx
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2023
After Minnesota's 2–0 victory that finished a two-game sweep, pitcher Sonny Gray explained that the team worked on that pickoff play during spring training. But shortstop Carlos Correa saw an opportunity when he noticed it was too loud in the ballpark for Guerrero to hear Toronto third-base coach Luis Rivera yell, "Back!"
Sonny Gray says Carlos Correa called the pickoff play on Vlad Guerrero Jr. He told him the Blue Jays couldn’t hear their third base coach tell “back” because #MNTwins fans were so loud. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/9g9DwVGlQb
— Jeff Wald (@JeffWaldFox9) October 5, 2023
The Blue Jays slugger was an easy mark. Correa was already waiting at second base for Gray's throw when Guerrero had to change direction back to the bag. The Twins were out of a jam, and Toronto squandered its best chance to tie the score.
But if not for the Minnesota fans, Guerrero might not have been so vulnerable for a pickoff. Crowds matter. Cheering and loud noise can affect the outcome of a game. What a home-field advantage for the Twins.
Minnesota advances to face the Astros in Game 1 of the AL division series on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. ET.
If you want to hear what Sonny Gray and middle infielders heard when the catcher called “timing pick second base” from the #PitchCom, here is the audio track. #MLB pic.twitter.com/iHFyrNibZM
— PitchCom (@PitchCom_Sports) October 5, 2023
