The Minnesota Twins won their third straight game Friday night, opening their series with the Chicago Cubs with a commanding 7-2 victory at Target Field.
Phil Hughes held the Cubs to two hits in eight innings as he put together his strongest start of the season to pick up the victory.
The line on Phil Hughes in his best start of the season: 8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 HR, 4 K, 0 BB (95 pitches, 65 strikes). Twins up 7-1 in the 9th.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) June 20, 2015
Trevor Plouffe had a big night for the Twins. He finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs to lead the Twins offensive attack. Eddie Rosario and Brian Dozier were each 2-for-4 as well with a pair of runs scored.
The Twins jumped on Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks right away. Minnesota scored two runs in the first inning setting the tone for the night.
Hendricks gave up seven runs and 11 hits in five innings.
Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo provided the only offensive punch for the Cubs. He hit two solo home runs, but they were no match for Hughes, who was back on his game.
Hughes came into the game frustrated at a dip in his velocity. But into the seventh inning the righty was still hitting 91 mph on the gun and seemed to regain some of the command that he has struggled with during early stretches of the season.
The Twins will go for their fourth straight win on Saturday afternoon with Trevor May on the mound against Chicago’s Jon Lester.
