Twins Rally in Sixth Inning to Secure 5-3 Victory Over Royals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins showcased their resilience on Friday night, overcoming an early deficit to claim a 5-3 win against the Kansas City Royals. The game commenced after a rain delay lasting one hour and 15 minutes, setting the stage for an eventful matchup.

The Royals initially took control with a two-run lead in the first inning, thanks to RBI doubles from Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone. However, the Twins responded in the third, with Brooks Lee delivering an RBI fielder's choice to narrow the gap to 2-1.

It was Lee who ignited the Twins' offensive surge in the sixth inning, launching a solo home run to lead off the frame. Following his homer, Josh Bell contributed an RBI double, and Bell later scored due to an error in the outfield by Caglianone, who mishandled a throw after Orlando Arcia's single. Arcia himself crossed home plate on a wild pitch thrown by Royals starter Michael Wacha.

Wacha, who suffered the loss, pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters. The Royals managed to score once more in the ninth inning when Caglianone crossed the plate after Mikael Garcia's groundout.

Twin's pitcher Zebby Matthews earned the win, completing seven innings with five hits allowed, four walks, and two strikeouts. Travis Adams secured his second save of the season by closing out the ninth with 16 pitches. Unfortunately for the Twins, outfielder Byron Buxton exited the game in the third inning after colliding with the center field wall, although he made the catch before being replaced.

The three-game series continues Saturday, with the Royals set to start right-hander Luinder Avila (1-2, 4.44 ERA) against the Twins' right-hander Joe Ryan (4-3, 3.20 ERA).