The Twins were held in check by Indians All-Star pitcher Mike Clevinger on Sunday and lost 5-2 in a cloudy, wet day at Target Field.
The right-hander allowed just four hits while striking out seven over 6.1 innings, and the Indians got home runs from Carlos Santana and Francisco Lindor to build a Clevinger a cushion.
Not only did the Twins lose, but Max Kepler left the game after one at-bat because he aggravated a chest injury. The Twins say Kepler was dealing with “upper-chest discomfort” and is day-to-day.
Minnesota’s first run came on a solo homer by Mitch Garver, who is up to 29 home runs in just 82 games this season. Their second run came on an infield single by Lamonte Wade Jr. in the bottom of the seventh inning, which cut Cleveland’s lead to 5-2.
The Twins left the bases loaded in the seventh inning, with Garver striking out to end the threat.
They followed it up by having the tying run at the plate in the 9th, before Ryan LaMarre, whom the Twins signed on Sunday from Atlanta, struck out.
It means the Indians leave Minnesota with a 2-1 series win, cutting the deficit to 5.5 games.
Up next: Twins vs. Nationals, Tuesday at 6:40 p.m.
