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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 18 | 18 | .500 | - | L1 |
| Cleveland | 18 | 18 | .500 | - | L2 |
| Chicago | 17 | 18 | .486 | 0.5 | W1 |
| Kansas City | 16 | 19 | .457 | 1.5 | W4 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 20 | .429 | 2.5 | W1 |

