Jose Miranda hit an early three-run double, and Simeon Woods Richardson pitched well into the sixth inning as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-3 on Wednesday night.
Miranda hit the first of two doubles in the second inning against Ryne Nelson (5-6), and the Twins built on that lead. Willi Castro added a two-run homer, Trevor Lamach had two doubles, and the Twins, known for their strong offense, had 14 hits, including eight for extra bases. This performance came after a close 5-4 loss in the series opener.
“It was a really good day offensively,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Every part of our lineup was productive, making solid contact. We executed our game plan well.”
Woods Richardson (3-1) allowed three runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out four with two walks. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had two RBIs for the Diamondbacks, who managed just four hits.
“We couldn’t get going today in various aspects,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “Their pitcher had good command, mixed his pitches well, and kept us off balance.”
Woods Richardson was effective until Gurriel’s RBI triple in the fourth inning and Christian Walker’s double in the sixth inning. Ketel Marte scored on a wild pitch, and Gurriel added a sacrifice fly to bring the Diamondbacks closer at 8-3.
“When our hitters are performing well, it definitely makes my job easier,” Woods Richardson said.
Nelson, who had won his previous two starts, struggled early, giving up Miranda’s three-run double in the second inning. Byron Buxton added a sacrifice fly in the third inning, followed by run-scoring doubles from Lamach and Carlos Correa in the fourth to extend the Twins’ lead to 6-0.
