The Twins busted out the big bats as they slugged five homers in an 10-3 win over the White Sox in Chicago Saturday.
Nelson Cruz and Max Kepler both homered twice, while Miguel Sano, who homered twice Friday night, hit his third homer of the series.
Cruz’s second homer traveled an estimated 469 feet, clearing the TV cameras stationed above the batter’s eye in center field. He was 4-for-5 with five RBI on the day, and he finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Minnesota leads the MLB with 156 home runs, 10 more than second-best Seattle (146) entering Seattle’s game Saturday night against Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros.
It was more than enough run support for Michael Pineda. The right-hander allowed one run on four hits while striking out eight in six innings. The 6-foot-7 starter has allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 starts.
Meanwhile, the Indians were getting drubbed by the Orioles 9-0 in the fifth inning at the time this story was published. If the Indians lose, Minnesota’s lead in the AL Central will grow to nine games.
The Twins play again Sunday at 1:10 p.m. and they’ll have their hands full against Chicago ace Lucas Giolito (10-2, 2.87 ERA, 111 strikeouts in 91 innings).
