Twins 12, Royals 8: Nelson Cruz hits 400th home run

Much like yesterday’s game, the Twins jumped out to an early lead in this game. With 1 out, they went: single, double, single, then Miguel Sano hit a 2-run bomb into left center field. A walk, another single, and then Luis Arraez drove in the 6th run.

Also much like yesterday’s game, the Royals came back. Martin Perez struggled again today. After working out of trouble in the 1st, he surrendered a 2-run homer to Nick Dini (2) in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd, Nicky Lopez doubled, Jorge Soler drove him in with a double, and Hunter Dozier singled. Ryan McBroom grounded out for an RBI, and then Cheslor Cuthbert singled to make it a 6-5 game.

That was the end of Perez’s day, as Zack Littell was sent in to pick up the pieces. And he did, Littell got 2 groundouts to end the threat.

Miguel Sano answered in the bottom of the 3rd with his 2nd homer of the day, a solo shot to make it 7-5. Again, the Royals got a run back in the 4th with a Nicky Lopez double.

Nelson Cruz proceeded to deposit a fastball over the right center field wall for his 400th career home run. It was a great moment for the last regular season game at Target Field this year.

In the 6th, Eddie Rosario and Marwin Gonzalez drove in runs to make it a 10-6 game. In the 7th, Eddie Rosario and Marwin Gonzalez drove in runs to make it a 12-6 game.

Brusdar Graterol struck out the side in the 8th, he’s always fun to watch. In the 9th the Royals made a lot of noise against Fernando Romero. They walked the bases loaded with 2 outs, prompting Sergio Romo to come in to the game. He walked Cheslor Cuthbert and Ryan O’Hearn for 2 free RBIs. Jason Castro also missed a foul pop catch for an error. Alex Gordon came to the plate representing the tying run but he struck out. Final score: 12-8.

With that win the Twins magic number is down to 3, with Cleveland playing later today. There is a chance they could clinch on Tuesday.

Mitch Garver left the game with right hip tightness, he is day-to-day.

Studs:

Nelson Cruz - 400 HR Club, 2-3, RBI, 2 BB, 4 R

Eddie Rosario - 3-4, 3 RBI, BB

Miguel Sano - 2-4, 2 HR (33), 4 RBI, BB

Marwin Gonzalez - 2-4, 3 RBI, BB

It was a good day to be a hitter, not so much for the pitchers.

Robot Roll Call: