The game was decided in the first inning. Minnesota jumped ahead 2-0 on Austin Martin's RBI double and Josh Bell's sacrifice fly, then held that advantage through nine innings to defeat Boston 4-2 at Fenway Park.
Taj Bradley anchored the victory with 5.0 innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits while striking out seven. The right-hander improved to 5-1 with a 2.77 ERA, working around two walks to limit Boston's offense when it mattered most.
Martin doubled to left in the opening frame, scoring Byron Buxton from first base. Bell followed with a sacrifice fly to center, bringing home Trevor Larnach for the early 2-0 lead. Minnesota added insurance in the fifth when Victor Caratini's sacrifice fly scored Larnach, and Orlando Arcia's infield single brought Martin home for a 4-1 advantage.
Brayan Bello matched Bradley through five innings despite allowing eight hits, surrendering just two runs with none earned. His ERA stands at 6.43. Jovani Moran took the loss after allowing two fifth-inning runs, falling to 0-2.
Minnesota extended its winning streak to two games and improved to 24-27. Boston fell to 22-28 after the loss. Bell sits two home runs away from 200 for his career, while Bello is one strikeout from reaching 500.