MIN 2, MIA 1: Marlins fall in series opener

MIAMI—Heading into the opener of a three-game interleague battle against the Miami Marlins, the Minnesota Twins led all of baseball with 205 home runs. Byron Buxton added to that total in the third inning with his 10th home run of the year, drilling a Zac Gallen knuckle curve into left center on the way to a 2-1 Twins victory Tuesday night at Marlins Park.

Gallen, coming off his best start as a Marlin this past Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, pitched effectively, allowing just two runs in seven innings while striking out eight Twins. Righty Jake Odorizzi scattered just one run in 5 ²⁄₃ innings of mound work for Minnesota.

Garrett Cooper left the contest prior to the start of the third, being replaced by Neil Walker at first. It was later reported to media members that Cooper left with a tight left hamstring and was listed as day-to-day. After the game, he said, “It is nothing big. It has been bothering me for a couple days now and tonight it just locked up a little.”

In the fourth, Gallen recorded two outs, but a Miguel Sano RBI double brought home Eddie Rosario from first, giving the Twins a 2-0 edge. That was all the run support Odorizzi needed, as the former Ray surrendered only an RBI double to Curtis Granderson in the home half of the fourth scoring Starlin Castro from first. Granderson moved to third after a poor throw from right, but was held in check. Miami’s offense was quiet other than that, finishing 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

The Twins bullpen carried on Odorizzi’s success. Tyler Duffey tossed an inning and a third of perfect baseball, recording two strikeouts. Sergio Romo—acquired from the Marlins in a trade late Saturday night—got the first two outs of the eighth. He plunked Brian Anderson, but managed to escape without any damage and Taylor Rogers locked down his 16th save of the season, retiring Walker, Castro and Yadiel Rivera on12 pitches in the ninth.

Miami’s brief two-game winning streak has come to a close, but the Fish will seek a fresh one Wednesday night, sending righty Sandy Alcantara to the hill. Alcantara has struggled since the start of the second half, allowing 12 earned runs in 17 innings. Jose Berrios and his 122 strikeouts will get the ball for Minnesota. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Twins vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Gallen

2. Under

3. Under

4. Yes

5. Twins