The game turned in the third inning. Boston erased a 1-0 deficit with four runs, transforming a quiet contest into a commanding lead they never surrendered in a 9-5 victory over Minnesota at Target Field.
Trevor Story anchored the offensive surge with a five-RBI performance. He delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer to left center in the third inning, then added a two-run double in the sixth. Story finished 2-for-4 with a walk, raising his season average to .208 with 17 RBIs through 18 games.
The third inning unraveled quickly for Minnesota. Yoshida grounded into fielder's choice to second, but Anthony and Kiner-Falefa scored on a fielding error by Keaschall, with Rafaela reaching second on a throwing error. Story then homered to left center, Rafaela and Yoshida scoring ahead of him to make it 5-1.
Connelly Early earned his first win of the season, allowing just two hits over six innings with five strikeouts. He carried a 2.29 ERA into the game and held Minnesota scoreless until the ninth. Simeon Woods Richardson absorbed the loss, surrendering 10 hits and seven runs over five innings to fall to 0-3 with a 6.10 ERA.
Minnesota had won four straight games and entered 11-7, leading their division. Boston snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 6-11. Ryan Kreidler provided late drama with a three-run homer in the ninth, but the Twins' rally fell short.