Kyle Garlick’s three-run homer helped the Minnesota Twins win their first extra-inning game of the season as the Twins defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-5 on Sunday afternoon.
The Indians got off to a fast start when JosĂ© RamĂrez launched an RBI double in the first inning. The Indians added onto their lead when Eddie and Ahmed Rosario delivered RBI singles to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
Although Cleveland had the early advantage, Max Kepler tied the game with a three-run homer in the fourth inning.
ALL TIED UP. đź’Ą@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/vCjo7BZmnc
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) May 23, 2021
Kepler’s fifth home run of the season started a five-run inning for the Twins as Rob Refsnyder and Andrelton Simmons drove in runs to make it a 5-3 game.
The outburst provided some run support for J.A. Happ, who struck out a season-high nine batters but allowed four runs including an Ahmed Rosario triple in the fifth inning.
Although the Indians had several opportunities to tie the game, they finally broke through in the ninth against Hansel Robles. With the Twins holding onto 1 5-4 lead, Jordan Luplow drove in Cesar Hernandez on a bunt which sent the game to extra innings.
The Twins entered Sunday’s game with an 0-8 record in extra innings but Garlick put an end to that with a dramatic home run off Jake Karinchak to give Minnesota the lead.
EXTRA INNINGS HERO KYLE GARLICK@Twins | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/dGB8kihQYT
— FanDuel Sports Network North (@FanDuelSN_NOR) May 23, 2021
Tyler Duffey nailed down the final three outs and the Twins earned the series victory over the Indians. The Twins will return to Target Field on Monday to open a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles.
