The fourth inning changed everything. Minnesota turned a 1-0 deficit into a commanding lead with five runs, then cruised to an 11-3 victory over Washington at Nationals Park.
Taj Bradley dominated for six innings, allowing 2 runs on four hits while striking out eight. The right-hander improved to 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA, walking two and throwing 96 pitches in the winning effort.
The decisive fourth began when Austin Martin scored on a fielding error by pitcher Cade Cavalli during Brooks Lee's grounder to the mound. Royce Lewis followed with a sacrifice fly that brought Kody Clemens home, then Trevor Larnach doubled to center to score both Luke Keaschall and Lee. The five-run outburst turned a 1-0 game into a 6-1 Minnesota advantage.
Cavalli absorbed the loss, allowing 6 runs over four innings. The Washington starter gave up five hits and three walks while striking out two, with three of the runs charged as earned. His ERA stands at 4.15.
Both teams entered with identical 1-game winning streaks. Minnesota improved to 15-20 while Washington fell to 16-19.