The Minnesota Twins placed Homer Bailey on the injured list prior to their series finale against the Cleveland Indians, but the Minnesota bullpen picked up the slack to lead the way in a 3-1 victory at Target Field on Sunday afternoon.
Bailey was scratched from Sunday’s start with biceps tendinitis forcing the Twins into an impromptu bullpen game on the mound. The results were spectacular as six Twins pitchers combined to hold the Indians to one run on two hits for the afternoon.
While the bullpen shut down the Indians’ lineup, the Twins were able to do their job at the plate. Jorge Polanco drove in Max Kepler with a single in the first inning to put the Twins up early and Mitch Garver hit his first home run of the season in the second to double the lead.
A Saucy sight. 🥫 😍#GarvSauce | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/Dxs2fubqZ4
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 2, 2020
The Twins took a 3-0 lead in the third inning with a Nelson Cruz RBI single, but the Indians mounted a threat in the top of the fourth. Francisco Lindor’s drove in a run on a single, but his attempt to stretch it into a double was unwise as Eddie Rosario threw him out to snuff out a potential rally.
Still true in 2020: Don’t run on Rosie. 🌹#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/gs9k0K0Nyf
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 2, 2020
The Indians were held at bay for the rest of the game and Sergio Romo came in the ninth to nail down the save and secure the 3-1 victory.
After taking three-of-four from the Indians, the Twins will welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to Target Field for a four-game set beginning on Monday. The Twins have yet to announce their starter for the opener as the Pirates will send Derek Holland to the mound for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.
