Max Kepler’s crucial infield single drove in the deciding run in the ninth inning, securing a 5-4 victory for the Minnesota Twins over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, clinching the series.
The winning sequence began when Trevor Larnach was hit by a pitch from Philadelphia’s Gregory Soto to start the ninth. Larnach advanced to second on a wild pitch and then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Austin Martin.
Kepler hit a ground ball up the middle against an infield playing close, which was backhanded by diving second baseman Bryson Stott. Stott had no play at home for Larnach and couldn’t throw out Kepler at first.
This walk-off hit marked Kepler’s 11th such plate appearance in his career, tying Twins legends Harmon Killebrew and Kirby Puckett for the franchise record. Additionally, Kepler reached a milestone with his 500th career RBI, becoming the 12th Twins player to achieve this mark.
“We’re battling through injuries right now,” Kepler commented. “Despite that, our young group is competing hard. It’s something special to face top teams like this and come out on top.”
The Twins celebrated their fifth walk-off win of the season while the Phillies, leading the National League, suffered their third consecutive series loss.
“We’re in a bit of a rough patch with our offense and bullpen,” said Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson. “But I have full confidence in our talented group to bounce back.”
Jhoan Duran, Minnesota’s closer, pitched a flawless ninth inning against Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper to earn the win. Matt Wallner hit his fourth home run of the season, and Carlos Santana contributed a game-tying, two-run double in the seventh inning for the Twins.
