Twins Take Down Rangers in Series Opener

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Twins opened their road series in Texas with a 4-2 win over the Rangers on Monday.

The Twins did their early damage in the top of the first inning. Josh Bell jumped on a Rangers mistake and launched a three-run homer to stake Minnesota to a quick lead. Bell finished the night 2-for-4 with three runs batted in.

Byron Buxton added an insurance run in the sixth with a solo shot, his only hit of the evening but a timely one. The center fielder is swinging a hot bat, and Major League Baseball took notice, naming him the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Texas got both of its runs back in the third inning on a two-run homer from Joc Pederson, but that was all the offense the Rangers could muster. Minnesota’s pitching staff, anchored by a bullpen-heavy effort, held Texas scoreless the rest of the way. The relief corps combined to shut the door, with Texas managing just five hits on the night.

The win moves Minnesota to 34-and-40 on the season, good for third place in the AL Central. The Twins have now won three of their last four games.

Minnesota looks to keep it rolling in game two of the series. Zebby Matthews is scheduled to take the mound for the Twins against Texas tonight, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.