Joe Mauer got his number retired and then the Twins did what they’ve done nearly 70 percent of the time this season: Win.
Minnesota trailed 4-1 in the fifth inning before Marwin Gonzalez ripped a two-run homer to cut the lead to one, and Jorge Polanco followed later in the inning with an RBI double to tie the game.
In the sixth, the Twins took a 5-4 lead on an RBI double by C.J. Cron, giving way to the bullpen – Trevor May, Blake Parker, Ryne Harper and Taylor Rogers – allowing just one hit and one walk over the final three innings to preserve the victory.
The Twins are now 25 games over .500 at 47-22 and hold an 11-game lead in the AL Central. It’s the first time in team history the Twins have been at least 25 games over .500 before July. In fact, it’s nearing the most games over .500 at any point of any season since 2000.
Most games over .500 at any point each season since 2000:
- 2018: 3 games
- 2017: 9 games
- 2016: 0 games
- 2015: 11 games
- 2014: 2 games
- 2013: 2 games
- 2012: 0 games
- 2011: 0 games
- 2010: 32 games
- 2009: 11 games
- 2008: 20 games
- 2007: 6 games
- 2006: 31 games
- 2005: 13 games
- 2004: 26 games
- 2003: 20 games
- 2002: 27 games
- 2001: 24 games
- 2000: 1 game
Sunday’s game starts at 1:10 p.m. Martin Perez starts for the Twins while the Royals send Jakob Junis to the mound.
