Kyle Garlick hit two home runs and Max Kepler delivered three RBI to help the Minnesota Twins pick up a 9-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon.
Garlick provided offense early for the Twins, hitting a home run in the first inning off Tampa starter Shane McClanahan. Although McClanahan went on to strike out 12 batters on the afternoon, Chris Archer was just as good, limiting the Rays to one run and two hits and three walks over four innings of work
After the Twins lineup forced McClanahan to throw 90 pitches over five innings, they were rewarded by getting into the Rays’ bullpen. With the game at 1-1, Garlick took advantage in the sixth inning, hitting a two-run shot to give Minnesota a 3-1 lead.
Add a little Garlick power. đź§„đź§„#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/xwQlE4ixkz
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 30, 2022
Garlick’s second homer of the game opened the floodgates for the Twins’ offense. Kepler delivered an RBI single in the eighth and hit a two-run homer as part of a four-run ninth inning to help the Twins cruise to victory.
The win was encouraging for the Twins’ offense, which also saw Trevor Larnach deliver an RBI double and Carlos Correa turn in a three-hit day at the plate. Minnesota will hope to stay hot when they close out their series with the Rays on Sunday afternoon.