Willi Castro hit a two-run homer, and Matt Wallner contributed two RBIs as the Minnesota Twins bounced back from a tough loss in the first game of the series to defeat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Tuesday night, keeping their spot in the final AL wild card.
Castro’s homer came in the eighth inning, while Wallner’s RBI singles were both against Gavin Williams (3-10), who has only one win in his last seven starts.
The Twins started the game with a 1 1/2-game lead over Detroit for the last playoff spot, and they maintained that lead with strong defense, solid relief pitching, and Castro’s important hit, one night after losing a 3-0 lead.
“The energy has been good. The last few games have been rough for us,” said Castro, who hit a home run for the first time since August 24. “We’ve got to keep it going.”
Lane Thomas homered for the Guardians, who lead the AL Central and are getting closer to the postseason. They could clinch a spot as soon as Wednesday.
Cleveland made a comeback for their MLB-leading 40th win on Monday against the Twins.
This time, Minnesota held on, but the Guardians created some drama. They loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning. Manager Rocco Baldelli, who had to manage the last four innings after taking out rookie Zebby Matthews in the fifth, brought in Griffin Jax.
The right-handed pitcher, who allowed a go-ahead homer to rookie Kyle Manzardo in the eighth on Monday, struck out pinch-hitter David Fry and then gave up an infield single before getting Bo Naylor out with a weak ground ball for his ninth save.
When the game ended, the Minnesota dugout let out a collective sigh of relief.
“Great win for our entire team,” Baldelli said. “Everywhere you looked — in the dugout, out in the bullpen — everyone played a part in some small way. There’s a lot to clap about and talk about.”
