The game was decided by the third inning. Mick Abel controlled the strike zone from the start, and Byron Buxton provided the power as Minnesota blanked Boston 6-0 at Target Field.
Abel dominated over seven innings, allowing four hits while striking out 10 without issuing a walk. The right-hander threw 90 pitches to earn his first win of the season, carrying a 3.98 ERA. His command was precise throughout, keeping Boston's offense off balance.
The Twins struck early when Keuchel singled to center, scoring Buxton in the first inning. Buxton homered to left in the third, then Brooks Lee added a solo shot to right in the fourth. Larnach's two-run single later in the fourth extended the lead to 5-0, with Gray and Buxton both scoring. Buxton capped the scoring with his second homer, a 438-foot blast to left center in the sixth.
Sonny Gray struggled for Boston, lasting just four innings while allowing nine hits and five earned runs. The veteran struck out only one batter and threw 93 pitches in taking the loss, with a 4.43 ERA. The Red Sox managed six hits but never mounted a serious threat against Abel's precision.
Minnesota extended its winning streak to three games and improved to 10-7, maintaining first place in the division. Boston fell to 6-10 with the loss.