Josh Willingham popped a two-run homer and Aaron Hicks added two RBI to punch up Minnesota’s 7-2 win over Texas Saturday in the third of a four-game series at Target Field.
The sixth-inning shot was Willingham’s fourth of the season, put the Twins up 3-0, givings Twins pitching some breathing room.
“He’s a powerful young man,” said Manager Ron Gardenhire, commenting on Willingham to Fox Sports North, “and we’ve all seen what you can do when you make a mistake.”
Pedro Hernandez (1-0) tossed five innings of five-hit, scoreless ball in his first victory of the season, according to Sports Network. It was his first major-league win.
Anthony Swarzak, Brian Duensing and Jared Burton all pitched scoreless baseball in relief.
Wilkin Ramirez, Pedro Florimon and Brian Dozier each knocked in a run for the Twins, who ended a three-game losing streak.
Mitch Moreland hit a two-run double in the ninth for the Rangers, off a misplayed fly ball by Hicks, charging closer Glen Perkins with two runs.
