Twins Seek Elusive Back-to-Back Wins as They Face Nationals and Rookie Cavalli

Key facts

• The Twins have not won back-to-back games since April 14.
• First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
• The game is at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
• Twins starter Taj Bradley faces Nationals rookie right-hander Cade Cavalli.
• Cavalli was Washington's first-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft.
• Radio coverage includes TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, and the Audacy App.
• The game can be streamed via Fubo, with regional blackout restrictions.

A Road Trip Begins Under Pressure

The Minnesota Twins open a road trip in Washington on Tuesday evening desperate to snap a puzzling stretch of inconsistency. The club has not won back-to-back games since April 14, a drought that has left them searching for momentum early in the season. First pitch at Nationals Park is set for 6:45 p.m. ET. The Twins will send right-hander Taj Bradley to the mound, while the Nationals counter with rookie Cade Cavalli, their first-round selection from the 2022 draft.

Cavalli Makes His Mark Against Minnesota

Cade Cavalli, the 22-year-old righty, will make his second career start against the Twins. Drafted eighth overall in 2022, he has shown flashes of the power arsenal that made him a top prospect, but command issues have plagued him early in his major league tenure. For Minnesota, Bradley enters with a 3-2 record and a 4.15 ERA, relying on a sharp splitter to generate swings and misses. The Twins will need him to pitch deep into the game to preserve a bullpen that has been heavily taxed.

Broadcast and Streaming Options for Fans

Fans can watch the game on local broadcasts or stream via Fubo, though MLB regional blackout restrictions apply. Radio coverage will be available on TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, and the Audacy App, as well as on LosTwins.com for Spanish-language listeners. The game is one of several on Tuesday's MLB schedule, and scores will be posted on USA TODAY's sortable schedule.

The Stakes of a Simple Winning Streak

For the Twins, the inability to string together wins has been a nagging problem. Since their last back-to-back victories on April 14, they have gone 8-12, with each win followed by a loss. The pattern has kept them hovering around.500 in a competitive American League Central. A victory Tuesday would not only break the streak but also give the team a chance to build real momentum on a seven-game road trip that includes stops in Washington and Miami.

Nationals Look to Play Spoiler at Home

Washington, while rebuilding, has shown resilience at Nationals Park. The Nationals have won four of their last six home games, and Cavalli will be eager to prove himself against a Twins lineup that features several right-handed power bats. Minnesota's offense has been inconsistent, scoring three runs or fewer in seven of their last 12 games. The team will need to capitalize on Cavalli's occasional wildness to avoid another one-run loss.

What Comes Next: A Test of Character

The Twins' ability to finally win two in a row will be a test of their mental fortitude. Manager Rocco Baldelli has stressed the importance of small stretches, and a win Tuesday could provide the spark the club needs. For the Nationals, the game is another opportunity to evaluate young talent against a playoff-caliber opponent. The outcome will be determined by which team executes in the margins — a theme that has defined both clubs' seasons so far.

The bottom line

• The Twins have not won consecutive games since April 14, a drought they aim to end Tuesday.
• Cade Cavalli, Washington's 2022 first-round pick, starts for the Nationals against Taj Bradley.
• First pitch is at 6:45 p.m. ET at Nationals Park; the game is available on Fubo and local radio.
• Minnesota's offense has been inconsistent, scoring three or fewer runs in seven of their last 12 games.
• The Twins begin a seven-game road trip, with a win needed to build momentum.