ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Carlos Santana hit a game-winning three-run home run, Ryan Jeffers also hit a home run and the playoff contenders Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Friday night.
One night after hitting a game-winning sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, Santana’s 17th home run with one out in the fifth inning gave Minnesota a 4-1 lead, eclipsing Texas starter Andrew Heaney (4-13), who has the most losses in the major leagues.
The Twins (69-53) reached their 16-game record above .500 for the first time since their 101-win 2019 season. They have set an MLB record with 62 wins since April 22 after winning just seven of their first 20 games.
Reigning World Series champion Texas (56-67) fell to 11 games under .500 for the first time this season. They have lost 15 of 20 games since a five-game winning streak in late July.
Heaney struck out eight players and threw 97 pitches, the first 16 of which came to Manuel Margot early in the game. The Twins’ leadoff hitter picked up 11 fouls, eight in a row after reaching a full count before his flyout went to left. He was followed by Santana and Max Kepler, both of whom flew out after one pitch.
Twins rookie Simeon Woods Richardson (4-3), a native of Texas, allowed two runs in five innings. Jhoan Duran, Minnesota’s sixth pitcher, made his 18th save in 19 chances in the ninth inning.
Marcus Semien hit his 18th home run for the Rangers, a two-out solo hit in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wyatt Langford had a sacrifice fly in the second inning and an RBI single in the sixth.
Jeffers opened the Twins’ third with his 18th home run. He was hit by a pitch early in the fifth before scoring on a long ball from Santana.
Adolis García had his 16th hit in the last nine games, and the Rangers right fielder also took a probable home run from Royce Lewis. García jumped near the wall and had his glove extended over the wall when he caught the ball to end the fifth inning.
TRAINING ROOM
Twins: RHP Joe Ryan got a second opinion that confirmed the team’s initial diagnosis that he severely strained a muscle in his throwing shoulder and will be out of action for an extended period. … All-Star SS Carlos Correa (plantar fasciitis in right foot) is beginning to walk daily, which is a final step before he can continue with a rehab program. He has been on the injured list since July 20. … Twins coach Nick Paparesta said CF Byron Buxton’s right hip inflammation appears to be scar tissue from a previous injury in 2022.
Rangers: RHP Max Scherzer (shoulder fatigue) threw a 25-pitch bullpen. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said everything went well and he expected to make 40 throws in another session on Sunday.
Next
RHP Nathan Eovaldi (8-6, 3.75 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for Texas on Saturday night, a week after leaving his last start because of right-side tightness. Rookie right-hander David Festa (2-2, 5.20) starts for Minnesota.
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