Trevor Larnach hit a decisive two-run homer in the eighth inning, extending Minnesota’s streak of consecutive games with a home run to 19 and helping the Twins secure a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
Minnesota achieved a franchise record for consecutive games with a home run, although the breakthrough came late in the game. Larnach connected with an 0-1 pitch from reliever Ryne Stanek (5-2), sending it into right-center field for his eighth home run of the season.
“Recently, Trevor has been having a lot of productive at-bats. He may not feel completely dialed in, but he’s been hitting the ball well,” noted Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “He hasn’t necessarily had the best luck, but he continues to contribute positively whenever he’s out there.”
Minnesota’s streak of 19 games with a home run is the second-longest in the majors this year, behind Baltimore’s 22-game streak earlier in June. Larnach also contributed with an RBI single in the first inning, while Austin Martin’s double and Jose Miranda’s RBI single added two more runs in the fifth.
The Twins won two out of three games in Seattle, halting the Mariners’ streak of nine consecutive home series victories at T-Mobile Park since mid-April.
Starting pitcher Joe Ryan struck out 10 batters over 5 2/3 innings, marking his second double-digit strikeout performance of the season. Ryan allowed six hits and one earned run. Jhoan Durán closed out the game with his 12th save as the Twins concluded their road trip with a 6-3 record.
“This year, I’ve been more focused on pitching effectively rather than chasing strikeouts like I have in the past,” Ryan remarked. “Hitting double-digit strikeouts is exciting and enjoyable, but my main goal is to command the strike zone and execute quality pitches.”
Seattle’s Luis Castillo pitched five innings, surrendering three runs on six hits while striking out three batters. He was replaced prematurely in the fifth inning due in part to being lifted for a pinch hitter.
