The Twins managed just five hits in a 4-0 loss to the Red Sox in Boston on Saturday.
Tanner Houck pitched into the sixth inning for Boston and allowed just five baserunners on two hits and three walks. He struck out four and paved the way for a Boston bullpen that struck out six over the final 3.1 innings.
Sonny Gray didn’t make it out of the second inning for the Twins as he exited the game with an apparent hamstring injury. Gray surrendered a two-run homer to Alex Verdugo in the second inning, and then Josh Winder replaced Gray and gave up a two-run shot to Xander Boegarts in the third inning.
That’s all Boston got against the Twins, though that was more than enough.
Winder tossed 5.1 innings and gave up just four hits and one walk while striking out three. The rookie right-hander is considered one of Minnesota’s top pitching prospects, so much so that he made the roster out of spring training.
Three of Minnesota’s five hits came off the bat of Trevor Larnach, including one double. Luis Arraez and Miguel Sano had the other two singles for the Twins.
Byron Buxton didn’t play as he’s considered day-to-day with right knee soreness.
The Red Sox wore their yellow and blue uniforms, which are inspired by the colors of the Boston Marathon.
Up next: Twins at Red Sox, Sunday at 12:35 p.m. Bailey Ober is scheduled to start for Minnesota, while Michael Wacha will start for Boston.
