Not only did the Twins drop Saturday’s contest to the White Sox 5-1 but their lead in the Central Division is now down to just one game with the Cleveland Indians beating up on the Kansas City Royals for a 9-1 win.
Cleveland has been red-hot having won 12 of their last 14 games. Meanwhile, the Twins have won just five of their last 13 games since the last time Cleveland and Minnesota met on July 14.
After tying the game in the top of the third, Chicago would score four unanswered runs in the win. The Twins’ offense collected just three hits in the loss as White Sox starting pitcher Ian Nova kept the offense off balance all game.
Martin Perez started for Minnesota and allowed three runs, on seven hits, with four strikeouts and one walk.
The good news is, the Twins did bolster their bullpen swinging a trade with the Miami Marlins for 3x World Series winner Sergio Romo. The right-handed reliever has 17 saves on the season and an ERA of 3.58, to go along with 33 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.
Minnesota also received a prospect and a player to be named later, while sending prospect Lewin Diaz to Miami.
With the loss, the Twins fall to 63-41 on the season and will close out the series with Chicago on tomorrow afternoon. Kyle Gibson will start for Minnesota.
Related: Twins acquire Sergio Romo and Chris Vallimont from Marlins
