Carlos Correa hit a solo home run and made a crucial diving play to prevent a game-tying run, helping the Minnesota Twins secure a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised Correa’s defensive effort, highlighting his crucial stop and throw that preserved the team’s 2-1 lead.
Max Kepler also contributed with a solo homer and a double, scoring a late run that secured the win for the Twins, who had started the series with seven consecutive losses.
Starting pitcher Simeon Woods delivered a strong performance, allowing only three hits and a walk over 4 and 2/3 scoreless innings. Relief pitcher Steven Okert earned his first career win with the Twins, retiring four straight batters after hopping on the Nationals’ bullpen cart and tipping his driver.
Despite Joey Meneses homering for the Nationals, the team struggled offensively, going 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.
In a pivotal moment in the seventh inning, Correa’s impressive defensive play prevented the Nationals from capitalizing on a scoring opportunity.
Caleb Thielbar and Jhoan Duran closed out the game, with Duran securing his fourth save despite Meneses’ late homer for the Nationals.
Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin performed well in his first career start against the Twins, allowing only two runs over 6 1/3 innings. Manager Dave Martinez commended Irvin’s performance, acknowledging that he kept the team competitive throughout the game.
