Scott Kazmir struck out seven for his first victory in nearly three years to guide Cleveland to a 7-3 win over Minnesota Saturday in the second of a three-game series at Progressive Field.
Kevin Correia allowed four hits over five innings in his least-effective start so far with the Twins, according to the Star Tribune. Correia gave up only two home runs in his first five starts, but he equaled that number within the first four batters he faced on Saturday.
Jason Kipnis and Nick Swisher connected off the Twins’ righthander, who fell to 3-2, the Strib reports. It was the first time this season that Correia, who signed as a free agent last winter, had not pitched at least seven innings in a start for the Twins.
Kazmir (1-1), a two-time AL All-Star who pitched in an independent league last season, allowed two runs in six innings, the Associated Press reports. It was his first win since beating Tampa Bay on Sept. 19, 2010, while with the Angels.
Jason Kipnis went 3-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored and his sixth stolen base as the Tribe won their sixth straight and secured their fifth series win of the season, according to the Sports Network.
Aaron Hicks also hit a home run, the first of his career for the Twins, sending a Kazmir fastball 388 feet into the bleachers in left-center field. but the young center fielder continues to make mistakes, this time muffing a Kipnis shot that lead to a triple for Cleveland.
The Twins have now lost four of five at the midway point of a 10-game road trip.
