Matt Wallner hit a two-run homer and nearly added another as the Minnesota Twins beat the Mets 8-3 on Wednesday, finally securing a win in New York.
Byron Buxton also homered, and Pablo López (10-7) pitched six innings, allowing only three hits, as the Twins avoided a three-game sweep.
“We knew how important it was to play well today,” López said. “The first two games didn’t go as we wanted, but we came to the clubhouse expecting everyone to do their part and get the win.”
The Twins had been outscored 17-2 in the first two games against the Mets and 39-13 while losing their first five games in New York this season. The Yankees had also swept the Twins from June 4-6.
“We’ve been joking about it,” said Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach, who prevented Francisco Lindor from hitting a leadoff homer. “We’ve had some tough games in New York, but we managed to turn it around.”
Wallner’s home run highlighted a five-run third inning, as Luis Severino (7-4) allowed five consecutive hits to start the inning. Wallner nearly homered again in the fifth, but center fielder Tyrone Taylor managed to touch the ball, and Wallner settled for a double.
“We just kept building on each other’s hits,” Wallner said. “When you score five runs in an inning, you feel pretty good about your chances to win.”
The game also marked a busy series for Wallner, who made his MLB pitching debut with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief in Monday’s 15-2 loss.
Buxton hit a solo homer in the second inning. Trevor Larnach, Max Kepler, Royce Lewis, Carlos Santana, and Ryan Jeffers all had RBIs for the Twins.
Mark Vientos hit a two-run homer off López in the bottom of the second.
Severino allowed six runs and six hits in a season-low three innings, having pitched at least five innings in each of his first 20 starts.
