The Minnesota Twins (12-9) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (12-9) 9-1 on Saturday evening at Tropicana Field.
Kyle Garlick hit two home runs - a solo shot in the first and a two-run blast in the sixth that broke a 1-1 tie - to lead the way for the Twins. After the Twins took the lead in the sixth inning, they added on with two runs in the seventh and four in the ninth to turn the game into a blowout.
Taylor Walls hit his first home run of the season in the first inning to account for the Rays only run. The Rays offense managed just three other hits on the night.
Shane McClanahan (1-2, 3.00) took the loss after working five+ innings in which he allowed three earned runs on four hits while striking out eleven and walking two. He was pulled from the game in the sixth inning after allowing Garlick's second homer of the day.
The Rays will look to bounce back and win the series against the Twins on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Tropicana Field on Sunday is scheduled for 1:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz hosting This Week In Rays Baseball on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES