Ty France doubled, singled, and drove in a run as the Minnesota Twins racked up 13 hits, matching their season high, in a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.
Carlos Correa chipped in with two singles and two RBIs, while rookie Brock Lee added a single, a double, and an RBI to pace the Twins’ offense. Minnesota has won four of its last five games and secured back-to-back series wins for the first time since mid-August last year.
Starter Simeon Woods Richardson (2-2) allowed just one run on four hits across 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven without issuing a walk. Four relievers combined to allow only one hit the rest of the way.
The Twins jumped out quickly, scoring three runs in the first inning on six singles, with France, Correa, and Jonah Bride each driving in a run. Correa added another RBI single in the second, and France teamed up with Lee for back-to-back doubles in the sixth to extend the lead to 5-1.
Zach Neto had three hits for the Angels, including a solo homer, and stole a career-high three bases. However, the Angels lost for the fourth time in five games.
Los Angeles starter Yusei Kikuchi (0-4) took the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits and four walks in two-plus innings. He failed to record an out in the third inning for the first time this season.
Nolan Schanuel exited the game in the fourth after fouling a pitch off his right knee. He needed assistance leaving the field and is considered day-to-day.
In a bright spot for the Angels, 23-year-old right-hander José Fermin made his MLB debut, tossing a hitless eighth inning with two strikeouts and a walk.
Key Moment
Brock Stewart entered in the fifth and, after inheriting a runner from Woods Richardson, struck out Mike Trout and retired Taylor Ward to preserve the Twins’ lead.
Key Stat
Minnesota stranded the bases loaded in each of the first three innings.
Up Next
The series finale is Sunday. The Angels send José Soriano (2-3, 4.34 ERA) to the mound against Minnesota’s Joe Ryan (1-2, 4.00 ERA).
