The Twins won exactly nine games in a row twice in the 1960s and then again in September 2004, when they were on their way to a third consecutive AL Central title. Minnesota can hit that mark for just the 12th time ever on Tuesday night against the Orioles.

Turns out, winning eight games in a row does wonders for a team’s playoff odds. Roughly a quarter of the way through the season, the Twins have hit the reset button and are positioned to live up to their potential.

The Minnesota Twins have won eight straight games and are one of the hottest teams in baseball. But they are in the American League Central, which has three other teams vying for a playoff spot. It is going to be a tough hill to climb for Minnesota,