RECAP: @BrianDozier smashes 2 HRs, #MNTwins explode for 13 runs in series-finale win. http://t.co/4m52rnxiht pic.twitter.com/S5TU5ITLOM
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 14, 2014
The Minnesota Twins scored five runs in the first inning en route to a 13-5 win over the Colorado Rockies Sunday afternoon in Denver. They go into the All-Star break having won two in a row, the Star Tribune reports.
Starter Phil Hughes (10-5) picked up his 10th win even though he gave up five runs and 10 hits in five innings, according to MLB.com.
Brian Dozier hit two homers for the Twins — a solo shot in the eighth inning and a three-run homer in the ninth — to ensure the victory. Dozier was apparently getting warmed up for his appearance in the Home Run Derby Monday evening at Target Field, which is part of the All-Star Game festivities.
The Twins scored their first five runs in the first inning with two outs. Brett Anderson (0-3) gave up five straight hits — to Trevor Plouffe (double), Chris Parmelee (two-run single), Josh Willingham (single), Eduardo Escobar (two-run double) and Fuld (run-scoring single) in the inning, according to MLB.com.
The Rockies made up most of that ground quickly, scoring two runs in the first and another two in the second off Hughes, who was making his first start at Coors Field.
It took both Hughes and Anderson 29 pitches to get out of the first inning, according to the Star Tribune.
The Twins were up 6-5 in the seventh when Sam Fuld brought in a run on a sacrifice fly and Parmalee scored from third on a passed ball to make it 8-5, according to MLB.com. Dozier added a run in the eighth and three more in the ninth on his two homers, and the Twins took the rubber game of the weekend series.
Minnesota finished its seven-game road trip with five wins and two losses. Heading into the All-Star break, the Twins have a 44-50 record and trail the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers by 10-1/2 games.
Three Twins –All-Star pitcher Glen Perkins and catcher Kurt Suzuki, and Home Run Derby participant Dozier — are participating in All-Star Game activities Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the team has four days off before resuming the season on Friday against Tampa Bay at Target Field.
