The game turned on one swing in the fourth inning. Ryan Kreidler launched a three-run homer to left center, breaking a 1-1 tie and giving Minnesota all the runs it would need in a 4-1 victory over Houston at Target Field.
Joe Ryan dominated through six innings for the Twins, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out nine batters without issuing a walk. The right-hander improved to 3-3 with his third win of the season, carrying a 3.02 ERA.
The scoring began early when Dezenzo scored on Vázquez's single to center in the second inning, putting Houston ahead 1-0. Minnesota answered immediately as Caratini homered to center in the bottom half, tying the game at 1-1. The decisive moment came in the fourth when Kreidler's 416-foot blast scored Caratini and Gray, extending the lead to 4-1.
Mike Burrows absorbed the loss for Houston, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with three walks and two strikeouts. The right-hander fell to 2-6 with a 5.75 ERA. Andrew Morris closed out the ninth inning for Minnesota, striking out one in a perfect frame to earn his first save of the season.
Minnesota snapped a one-game losing streak to improve to 22-27, while Houston's brief winning streak ended as they dropped to 20-30. Ryan now sits one win away from his 50th career victory.