Twins Take Series Finale, Beat Astros 8-3

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Twins closed out their series in Houston with an 8-3 win over the Astros on Wednesday night, taking the rubber match after splitting the first two games of the set.

Minnesota jumped out early and never trailed, building a 5-1 lead through five innings before adding on late. Josh Bell, Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall each homered for the Twins. Clemens drove in three runs, while Trevor Larnach went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Keaschall scored three times.

Starter Taj Bradley picked up the win, striking out 11 over five innings while allowing just one run on four hits. Four Minnesota relievers combined to close out the final four innings, holding Houston scoreless until a two-run sixth.

Astros reliever Tatsuya Imai took the loss after surrendering five runs — including two home runs — in just 1.1 innings of work. Yordan Alvarez had a strong night at the plate for Houston, going 3-for-5, but the Astros couldn’t find enough run support to back it up.

With the win, Minnesota has taken three of its last four games. The Twins now head to New York for a three-game series against the Yankees, with the opener set for 6:05 p.m. Central Time Friday, July 3rd, in the Bronx.