Twins 12, Indians 5: Max Kepler hits three home runs

It was Jose Berrios’s first start since his return to the majors, but Max Kepler stole the show. Kepler launched three two-run home runs, all of them for two runs, as the Twins walloped the Indians 12-5 and Kepler became only the fifth Twins player ever to hit three home runs in a game. The other four players to do that are Justin Morneau (2007), Tony Oliva (1973), Harmon Killebrew (1963), and Bob Allison (1963). That’s pretty good company, Max.

Still, it wasn’t a particularly bad start for young rookie Jose Berrios. Helasted 6 innings but gave up only three earned runs. He struggled particularly in the first, giving up two runs then, but was apparently able to calm his nerves and pitch another impressive five innings.

But rookies weren’t the only ones to impress this game. Swept under the Max Kepler-three-home-run-carpet was the fact Joe Mauer was only a triple away from the cycle when he came to bat in the 9th inning (he ended up 4-for-5 with four runs scored, a walk, and an RBI). Eddie Rosario also homered in the 2nd inning and Jorge Polanco triples TWICE in the game.

The only Twins player who didn’t get a hit in the game was Kennys Vargas—but that’s okay. Kennys walked.

Max Kelpler has a chance to become the first Twins player to hit four home runs in a game in the 9th inning, but he got a single instead.

Still, gotta love the guy.

ROLL CALL!