The Minnesota Twins (51-66) blew out the Tampa Bay Rays (71-46) 12-0 on Saturday night in Minneapolis. The loss cuts the Rays lead over Boston down to four games for first place in the American League East.
The Twins got to Michael Wacha (2-4, 5.91) early, scoring four runs in the first inning and three in the third. Wacha finished his night allowing seven earned runs on eleven hits in five innings of work while striking out five and walking one. The Twins were able to get to the bullpen as well, getting two runs in the sixth off Louis Head, two runs (one earned) in the seventh off Ryan Sherriff, and one run in the eighth off Jordan Luplow.
Kenta Maeda (6-4, 4.41) picked up the win after pitching six innings of shutout ball in which he allowed three hits while striking out four and walking one.
The Rays will look to bounce back in the series finale which comes up on Sunday. First pitch from Target Field Sunday is scheduled for 2:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz and This Week In Rays Baseball at 12:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES