Dominant Starting Performance
Minnesota Twins starter Taj Bradley delivered a masterclass in strikeout efficiency on Thursday, fanning 11 batters over five innings to secure the win against the Houston Astros. Bradley allowed four hits and one earned run while walking three, improving his season record to 7-3. His performance set the tone for an offensive outburst that ultimately resulted in an 8-3 victory at Daikin Park.
Bradley’s outing was the catalyst for Minnesota’s early lead. In the first inning, the Twins capitalized on a powerful swing by Bell, who hit a 452-foot home run to center field that drove in two runs. The Twins held a 2-0 advantage after that frame, though Houston answered in the bottom of the first when Altuve scored on a groundout by Paredes that resulted in a double play, making the score 2-1.
Offensive Explosion in the Second
Minnesota’s offense broke the game open in the second inning with a three-run blast. Clemens launched a 399-foot home run to right-center field, bringing home both Keaschall and Lee to extend the Twins’ lead to 5-1. The Astros struggled to contain the Twins’ hitters, with starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai taking the loss after allowing five earned runs in just 1.1 innings of work. Imai’s line included four hits and five walks, leaving his record at 5-4.
The Twins added to their advantage in the fifth inning when Larnach singled to center field, driving in Caratini and Keaschall to make it 7-1. Houston managed to get on the board in the sixth inning. Loperfido’s single to left field brought Matthews home, followed by Allen’s single to right that scored Smith, narrowing the gap to 7-3.