Ervin Santana’s second complete-game shutout of the season lowered his American League-leading ERA to 1.80.
The Twins (24-18) beat the Orioles 2-0 for their fifth win in six games, keeping them at least one game ahead of the Indians in the AL Central pending their outcome tonight against the Reds.
Santana’s final line: 9 innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.
It’s an important win for the Twins considering they are battling against a Baltimore team that is considered one of the best in baseball. The win also pushes Minnesota’s road record to an impressive 13-5.
Ervin Santana is the only pitcher in MLB with multiple shutouts this season
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 24, 2017
The Twins mustered only six hits against Baltimore ace Dylan Bundy, but that’s all they needed. Byron Buxton’s RBI single in the fifth inning broke a scoreless tie and Brian Dozier made it 2-0 with his sixth homer of the season in the seventh.
Up next, the Twins go for the sweep Wednesday with Jose Berrios aiming for his third consecutive stellar start. The 22-year-old righty has pitched 7 2/3 innings in wins over Cleveland and Colorado.
First pitch Wednesday is set for 11:35 a.m. CT.
