In a crisp 2-hour, 46-minute game, the Boston Red Sox got the best of the Twins in a 2-0 win at Target Field on Monday.
It took just three batters for the Red Sox to get on the board, as Jose Berrios gave up three straight singles to start the game, with J.D. Martinez driving in the game’s first run.
Berrios would then settle in and retired 19 consecutive batters. He ended up finishing the night throwing 8 innings (a season high), allowing just 5 hits while striking out 10 on 109 pitches.
The only problem was that opposing pitcher Rick Porcello was just as dominant, having struck out eight batters through seven innings and surrendering just four hits on 93 pitches.
The Twins put a threat on in the bottom of the seventh when C.J. Cron roped a one-out double, but neither Marwin Gonzalez nor Miguel Sano could bring him home.
Minnesota had another chance in the bottom of the eighth with runners at second and third and one out, but neither Nelson Cruz or Eddie Rosario could drive home the tying or go-ahead run.
The Red Sox added an insurance run in the top of the ninth and Ryan Brasier closed the door for the save.
It’s only the fifth time the Twins have lost back-to-back games this season.
The Twins will try and get one back on Tuesday, when Michael Pineda starts for the Twins and David Price goes for the Red Sox.
