After tough debut, redemption for Duffey in win

MINNEAPOLIS -- Tyler Duffey didn't think he'd get the call back to the Majors so quickly. After getting lit up for six runs in two innings on Aug. 5, he got a return ticket to Triple-A Rochester, where he seemed likely to stay for a bit.

But Duffey did get the return call, and he made the most it, throwing 5 1/3 innings of no-hit ball vs. the Indians before Francisco Lindor doubled. Duffey ended the night with six scoreless innings, allowing just the one hit and earning his first big league victory in the team's 4-1 win on Saturday night.

His outing earned him at least one more start in the Majors. Duffey will start Thursday in Baltimore, in place of the injured Phil Hughes.

"I threw a lot more strikes and that helps. My curveball, which has been my go-to ever since I've been pitching, really, [I] threw that over the plate for strikes," Duffey said. "They can't just look for a fastball. They have to look for that, too."

Duffey registered seven strikeouts, most coming on the curveball, and he seemed to settle in well, something that didn't happen in his first start.

He said he was amped up for his start in Toronto and was trying to throw 100 mph to compensate. He went back to Triple-A Rochester and made one start, also giving up one hit in six innings. When he came back, there were noticeable differences.

"The curveball helped him a lot because he got ahead of some fastball hitters. He used it to get back in counts," manager Paul Molitor said. "I just thought the looked a lot more poised and comfortable."

That poise and comfort helped him carry his no-hit bid as long as he did. Though it was on his mind while he was pitching, it wasn't his focus.

"Anyone that says they aren't, either they're not paying attention to the game or they just don't want to see it," Duffey said. "You end up playing games in your head, see how long you can keep it going, but you're not trying to go out there and throw a no-hitter. If it happens, it happens."

Though he came away with a quality start, the five walks he gave up were still nagging at Duffey postgame.

"It was just bad on my part. I think I got a little wound up and let one get away from me and then it kind of rolled there," he said. "Normally that's not me and so when I do that, it makes me a little upset. It's still in the back of my head even though I threw well. I'm still not very happy that I walked five."

After the game, Duffey was treated to his first Twins postgame dance party, a clubhouse staple, where he had to dance.

"I don't think I embarrassed myself too bad," Duffey said.