In a chilly showdown that saw the Minnesota Twins claim their first victory of the season, Royce Lewis emerged as the hero with a clutch two-run homer in the fifth inning, propelling the Twins past the Baltimore Orioles 4-1. This pivotal hit off Kyle Bradish, following a walk to Trevor Larnach, snuck just inside the left-field foul pole, marking Minnesota's first lead of the season after a narrow loss in the opener.
Kody Clemens contributed to the win with an RBI single in the seventh, providing some breathing room for the Twins and giving manager Derek Shelton his inaugural victory at the helm. Shelton, tasked with revitalizing a squad that struggled to a 70-92 finish last year, saw promising signs in this early-season triumph.
Taj Bradley, Minnesota’s starter, showcased his strikeout prowess by fanning nine batters over 4 1/3 innings. Despite his strong performance, Bradley exited after 92 pitches, handing the baton to a bullpen that was nothing short of stellar.
Anthony Banda picked up the win, expertly closing out the fifth inning, while Kody Funderburk and Eric Orze bridged the gap through the sixth and seventh. Justin Topa handled the eighth with poise, and Cole Sands sealed the deal with his first save, ensuring the Orioles couldn’t mount a comeback.
Offensively, the Twins were efficient, managing only four hits but making them count. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s lone highlight came in the second inning when Colton Cowser doubled and scored on Jeremiah Jackson’s single.
Byron Buxton’s hustle was on full display as he raced home on a sacrifice fly by Josh Bell in the fourth, leveling the score before Lewis’s game-changing blast.
On a brisk day with temperatures at 46 degrees, a stark contrast to the balmy opener, the Twins showed resilience and a glimpse of their potential for the season ahead.