MINNEAPOLIS — The first time Joe Ryan faced Cleveland, it was the second start of his career, and he carried a perfect game into the seventh inning. The next time out against them, he gave up a run on three hits in five innings.
And the third time he faced the Guardians, which came on Sunday, Ryan turned in another strong effort, propelling the Twins to a 3-1 win in the series finale at Target Field.
Ryan’s only blemish came in the third inning when he allowed a solo home run to perennial most valuable player candidate José Ramírez. But aside from that, Ryan worked six strong innings, giving up just four total hits while striking out five. His effort was backed up by scoreless outings out of the bullpen from Cody Stashak, Joe Smith, Caleb Thielbar and Emilio Pagán, who came in to lock down the save.
The Twins struck first, using a Luis Arraez walk, stolen base and a Max Kepler single to get on the board in the first inning.
Solo home runs form Gio Urshela — his second in as many days — and Byron Buxton — his 11th on the season — resulted in the Twins’ other two runs on a day where they finished with just four hits against Triston McKenzie, who worked seven innings, and the Guardians’ bullpen.
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