The Twins kicked off the game with an early lead, not through their bats but thanks to some heads-up base running and a defensive miscue. In the 2nd inning, Victor Caratini singled, and Kody Clemens followed suit. While Caratini was thrown out trying to advance from first to third, Clemens eventually scored on a throwing error by Salvador Perez during a pickoff attempt.
Offense was a rare commodity for the Twins against Royals' lefty Cole Ragans, who kept them in check by allowing just four hits and a walk over six innings.
On the mound for the Twins, Taj Bradley delivered a strong performance. He showcased his poise in the 3rd inning by striking out Bobby Witt Jr. with two men on base to end the threat.
In the 4th, he fanned Lane Thomas with the bases loaded, keeping the Royals off the board. Bradley wrapped up his day with an impressive six shutout innings.
After Kody Funderburk pitched a clean 7th, the Twins managed to add an insurance run in the 8th. Josh Bell drew a walk, Royce Lewis doubled, and Trevor Larnach was intentionally walked to load the bases. Byron Buxton capitalized with a sac-fly RBI, bringing Bell home for a crucial second run.
In the 8th, Cole Sands faced immediate pressure with back-to-back singles that set up runners on first and third. Vinnie Pasquantino hit a sac-fly RBI, putting the Royals on the board. Taylor Rogers entered to tidy up the inning, maintaining the Twins' slim 2-1 lead.
The 9th inning saw the Twins' bats come alive. Matt Wallner launched an opposite-field solo homer, marking his second of the season.
Kody Clemens followed with a homer to left, his first of the year. Josh Bell then added another solo shot, his second of the season, extending the lead to 5-1.
Justin Topa took the mound in the 9th and, aided by a timely double play, closed out the game with a scoreless inning, securing the Twins' second victory of the season.
Taj Bradley's Line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K.