The game turned on one devastating inning. Minnesota scored four runs in the fifth to erase a 1-1 tie and defeat Cleveland 5-4 at Progressive Field, snapping a losing streak in the process.
Kody Clemens sparked the Twins' offense with a 3-for-4 performance that included two doubles. The infielder scored twice, reaching base in three of his four plate appearances to anchor Minnesota's 13-hit attack.
The fifth inning broke the game open. Lee singled to center to score Clemens and put Minnesota ahead 2-1. Lewis followed with a double to left that brought Lee home, extending the lead to 3-1. Bell then singled to center to score Lewis, and Martin capped the rally with another single to center that brought Buxton home, giving the Twins a commanding 5-1 advantage.
Gavin Williams absorbed the loss for Cleveland, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits over 6.0 innings with 6 strikeouts. His ERA stands at 3.74. The Guardians managed to cut into the deficit with late runs, including DeLauter's eighth-inning groundout that scored Fry, but could not complete the comeback.
Minnesota improved to 17-23 while Cleveland fell to 21-20. The Guardians remain atop their division despite the setback.