The Minnesota Twins picked up an 8-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Target Field on Sunday but the game was overshadowed by an injury to Cleveland outfielder Josh Naylor.
Naylor was injured in the fourth inning of Sunday’s game when he came in to chase a fly ball off the bat of Jorge Polanco. Naylor collided with second baseman Ernie Clement and went twirling through the air before landing awkwardly on his right foot. Naylor signaled for help immediately and was put into an air cast before being carted off the field.
Feel just awful for #Indians OF Josh Naylor, who has really grown on me as a person and player. Praying for his speedy recovery.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 27, 2021
While Naylor’s injury put a somber tone to the afternoon, the Twins earned the victory by turning the clock back to 2019.
Mounds View graduate Sam Hentges made the start for the Indians but the Twins gave him a rude homecoming beginning with an RBI single from Trevor Larnach in the first inning. The Twins extended their lead in the second when Andrelton Simmons smashed a two-run homer to left field to go ahead 3-0.
𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 💥@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/9PrYNvGX9p
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) June 27, 2021
After Rene Rivera hit a solo shot off J.A. Happ in the top of the third, Josh Donaldson responded with his 11th home run of the season in the bottom half to put the Twins ahead 4-1.
JD 💣🤩☔️@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/147kjCzMUY
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) June 27, 2021
The Twins continued flexing their muscles in the fourth inning when Nelson Cruz hit a three-run homer to put Minnesota ahead 7-1.
He's getting younger. 🤫@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/pGPM9MBH2E
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) June 27, 2021
This is (almost) 41. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/2ex4gABqmO
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 27, 2021
Eddie Rosario chipped in an RBI single in the sixth but Luis Arráez drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh to lead the Twins to the series victory.
The Twins (33-43) will open a four-game series in Chicago on Monday when Kenta Maeda (3-2, 4.85 ERA) opposes White Sox starter Lucas Giolito (5-5, 3.80 ERA).
