The Cleveland Guardians fell on the road to the Minnesota Twins on Monday night by a final score of 10-6 to extend their lead in the American League Central division by seven games.
For Cleveland (62-70), the Guardians took an early 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning due to outfielder Will Brennan hitting a sacrifice fly to score a run, shortstop Gabriel Arias hitting an RBI double and catcher Bo Naylor hitting a two-run home run. After the Twins mounted a comeback, second baseman Andres Gimenez grounded into a fielder’s choice to score a run and cut the Minnesota lead to 6-5 in the 3rd inning. The Guardians final run came in the 4th inning, when outfielder Steven Kwan hit an RBI double to cut the Minnesota lead to 7-6.
Starting pitcher Xzavion Curry suffered his third loss of the season for going 2.0 innings, striking out two batters, and allowing six hits and a walk for six earned runs.
For Minnesota (69-63), the Twins mounted a massive 2nd inning comeback, trailing 4-0, beginning with shortstop Carlos Correa scoring due to a balk by Cleveland pitcher Xzavion Curry. That same inning, first baseman Donovan Solano scored a run due to an infield single to cut the lead to 4-2, which was followed by a grand slam by third baseman Royce Lewis to give Minnesota a 6-4 lead. In the 3rd inning, outfielder Matt Wallner hit a solo home run to extend the Twins lead to 5-7. Finally in the 4th inning, designated hitter Jorge Polanco hit a three-run home run to give the Twins a 10-6 lead and eventual win.
Starting pitcher Kenta Maeda went 4.0 innings, struck out three batters, and allowed seven hits and a walk for six earned runs. Relief pitcher Kody Funderburk got his first win of the season for going 2.0 innings, striking out three batters, and allowing no hits or walks.
The Guardians will continue their road series against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, August 29th, with first pitch set for 7:40 p.m.
