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Despite loss, Twins fans bring energy in home opener as they still ride high from playoff run

The Twins didn't start off the 2024 home schedule with a winner, but their fans are eager to see what the team can do this year.

MINNEAPOLIS — Few people at Target Field were more excited for the Minnesota Twins' home opener than Sue Nelson.

Nelson, the team's full-time organist since 1999, kicked off her 26th season in the booth on Thursday with an extra dose of enthusiasm, fueled by last year's run to the American League Division Series.

"Last year was so fantastic," Nelson said from her upper-deck position, in between playing her familiar ballpark tunes. "And they've already started on a high note."

Yet, after winning three of their first five games to start the 2024 season, the Twins could not deliver for the home crowd in Thursday's Target Field opener. They fell 4-2 to AL Central rival Cleveland, in a game defined largely by the Twins' 0-for-12 mark with runners in scoring position. 

"We left a lot on base," fan Kevin Zabel said from the right-field bleachers. "Especially in the early innings."

Still, the announced crowd of more than 35,000 fans managed to bring as much energy as they could to Target Field, still riding the high of breaking that 18-game playoff losing streak last October. 

Marlo Churness has attended Opening Day the past five seasons and said he has high hopes for 2024.

"Last year, they ended strong, and hopefully they can continue," Churness said. "You just want to see it all start on a good note."

Meanwhile, Alan and Brianna McCaulley — who have been coming to Twins games as a couple ever since the stadium put them on the Kiss Cam — brought their two young kids to the home opener on Thursday as they continue to foster a new family tradition. They went to one of last year's playoff games with their older child.

"We're excited to see what they can do and how far they can go," Alan McCaulley said. "The energy is there. Everyone is excited. It's the best. Spring is here and summer is around the corner."

Meanwhile, Dennis Horvath, a Pittsburgh native, has been coming to Twins openers for decades after moving to Minnesota for college.

"I couldn't wait for Opening Day. I really like it... I wouldn't move to a city unless there was a major-league baseball team," Horvath said. "The '87, '91 World Series, it was just great... I just hope that the Twins don't play New York in the playoffs."

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