Minnesota Twins @ Cleveland Indians
Indians use home runs to finally defeat Twins 9-2
CLEVELAND -- Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer, Francisco Lindor added a two-run shot and the Cleveland Indians salvaged the finale of a four-game series with Minnesota 9-2 on Thursday.
The AL Central-leading Indians were outscored 35-16 by the last-place Twins in the first three games. Cleveland is 5-8 against Minnesota and 26-8 against the rest of the division.
Santana homered in the third off Hector Santiago (10-5), who made his first start with the Twins since being acquired from the Angels on Monday.
Lindor homered in Cleveland's three-run seventh. Jason Kipins hit his career-high 18th home run, a solo shot in the first. Jose Ramirez added a solo homer in the eighth.
Dan Otero (3-1), who worked out of a fifth-inning jam, retired all four hitters he faced. Andrew Miller, acquired from the Yankees on Sunday, struck out three in 1 1/3 innings.
MIN wins 3-1
Game Information
- Umpires:
- Home Plate Umpire - Jim Reynolds
- First Base Umpire - Fieldin Culbreth
- Second Base Umpire - Toby Basner
- Third Base Umpire - Manny Gonzalez
2026 American League Central Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 34 | 27 | .557 | - | L2 |
| Chicago | 32 | 27 | .542 | 1 | W5 |
| Minnesota | 27 | 33 | .450 | 6.5 | L5 |
| Kansas City | 22 | 37 | .373 | 11 | L6 |
| Detroit | 22 | 38 | .367 | 11.5 | L4 |

