Pabloz Lopez struck out a career-high 12 batters in a complete game shutout over the Kansas City Royals Wednesday night in Minneapolis. The Twins won 5-0 to complete the sweep and improve to 45-43 entering the final series before the All-Star break.
Lopez entered the night with 126 strikeouts, which ranked fourth in the majors. He’ll enter Thursday’s slate of MLB action third in strikeouts with 138, trailing only Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (146) and Atlanta’s Spencer Strider (155).
Lopez’s previous career high was 11 strikeouts, having done it twice last season with the Marlins.
“I love this place and I’m glad I’m a Minnesota Twin,” Lopez said on the Bally Sports North postgame show, adding that it’s an “amazing moment” and “a night that I’ll never forget.”
Minnesota’s offense was supplied by solo home runs from Eddy Julien and Ryan Jeffers, a two-run single off the bat of Alex Kirilloff and an RBI double from Donovan Solano.
Up next: Twins vs. Orioles, Friday at 7:10 p.m. CT.
