Torii Hunter hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins snapped their five-game losing streak with a 10-9 victory in Cleveland Friday night.
It was a wild, sometimes ugly game, but for the Twins it was finally a win.
Minnesota took a commanding lead in the third inning by scoring six runs, highlighted by a double from Trevor Plouffe and a triple by Eddie Rosario.
The big inning chased Indians starter Cody Anderson, who gave up six runs on five hits.
However, Mike Pelfrey’s start wasn’t much better. He gave up seven runs on 10 hits, while striking out two in just 3 2/3 innings. Following a four-run bottom of the third, the Indians put five more on the scoreboard in the fourth.
The Twins went to the bullpen early, but it was Trevor May who pitched a scoreless eighth inning to pick up the victory. Glen Perkins came on to throw a scoreless ninth and earn his 30th save.
FINAL: @Twins 10, Indians 9
•Twins rally after blowing early 6-0 lead
•Torii Hunter: Eventual GW HR in T-9
•19 runs, 28 hits, 12 pitchers— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) August 8, 2015
Hunter was 3-for-5 with the home run, three RBIs and three runs scored. Brian Dozier also homered. He finished 2-for-5 on the night, while Aaron Hicks was 3-for-5 with an RBI.
It was a big victory for the Twins, who are now one game above .500 on the season, and are still in the hunt for an American League Wild Card spot.
Ervin Santana (2-2) takes the mound for the Twins on Saturday against Tyler Bauer (8-8) for Cleveland.
