Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Sports
The Associated Press
Minneapolis

Polanco's RBI double gives Twins 1-0 win over Guardians

Players in white jerseys and red letters and numbers
Minnesota Twins left fielder Willi Castro, right, celebrates with second baseman Jorge Polanco (11) and shortstop Kyle Farmer (12) after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in a baseball game, Friday, June 2, 2023, in Minneapolis.
Craig Lassig | AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Jorge Polanco hit an RBI double in the seventh inning and Jhoan Duran finished a combined eight-hitter, helping the Minnesota Twins top the Cleveland Guardians 1-0 on Friday night.

Polanco’s drive off Nick Sandlin (2-3) went high off the right-field wall, scoring Kyle Farmer from second base. The teams went a combined 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position before Minnesota broke through.

The Twins have won the first two games of the series and four of five overall. They played without Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton and Joey Gallo on Friday night, and Polanco was in his second game back after a stay on the injured list with a hamstring strain.

“Polo has come back very, very sharp and has had some very solid at-bats, hitting balls hard,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He must have prepared himself really well both physically and on the mental side.”

Buxton was out of the lineup after being hit in the ribs by a pitch on Thursday. X-rays showed no breaks, but Buxton was still sore a day later. Correa was out of the lineup as he deals with plantar fasciitis, the second time this season he’s dealt with the issue.

“That’s the team we have,” Polanco said. “I know we’re missing really big key guys in the lineup, but we still have some good and great players that can come through in those situations.”

Brock Stewart (2-0) got three outs for the win, stranding a pair of runners in the seventh after Jovani Moran allowed two hits.

Duran entered with one out in the eighth with Steven Kwan on second base and the heart of the Guardians order ahead. Duran struck out José Ramírez, intentionally walked Josh Naylor and struck out Andrés Giménez to end the inning.

He then worked the ninth for his eighth save in nine chances. He had pitches clocked at 104.5 and 104.6 mph by Statcast during his second inning of work, the second game this season he has reached 104 mph.

“He’s just a rare breed,” Minnesota starter Bailey Ober said. “It’s amazing to watch. And every single time he’s out there I think everyone in the stands and in our dugout is in awe of what he can do.”

Sandlin, who hadn’t allowed a hit in his previous eight outings, surrendered two hits and a walk in one inning.

Trainers room

Guardians: To make room on the active roster for Civale, Cal Quantrill was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Quantrill allowed eight runs in 4 1/3 innings in his last start on Tuesday. ... INF Josh Bell was placed on the paternity list, and INF Brayan Rocchio was recalled from Triple-A.

Twins: Gallo was a late scratch with a hamstring injury, and Baldelli said Gallo will likely need a trip to the injured list. … Kepler was back in the lineup after he was pulled Thursday with a migraine.

Up next

RHP Sonny Gray (4-0, 1.94 ERA) starts for Minnesota on Saturday night, putting his American League-best ERA on the line. Cleveland counters with LHP Logan Allen (2-2, 2.72 ERA). Allen hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his seven career starts and is coming off seven scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts against Baltimore.