Royce Lewis gives Twins life, Randy Arozarena takes it away
As fast as Royce Lewis gave the Twins life in the ninth inning, Randy Arozarena took it away by crushing an opposite field, walk-off home run on the second pitch of the night by flame-throwing Minnesota closer Jhoan Duran. Final score: Rays 2, Twins 1.
Arozarena's blast sucked the life out of a Twins club that had just three hits all night, including Royce Lewis's game-tying RBI single in the ninth inning to snap a streak of 18 consecutive scoreless innings.
Donovan Solano was hit by a pitch to start the ninth and Max Kepler walked to put runners at first and second with one out. Michael A. Taylor, pinch running for Solano, stole third base to put runners at the corners with one out – and it set the stage for Lewis to tie the game 1-1.
Willi Castro then worked the count full and was hit by a wild slider in his left quad, loading the bases – still with one out – for Ryan Jeffers, who swung at the first pitch and grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Pablo Lopez was outstanding for the Twins, allowing just one one on five hits over seven innings. The only damage against him was a solo homer by Isaac Paredes in the second inning.
The Twins are now on a season worst four-game losing streak and back to .500 (31-31) for the first time this season.
Up next: Twins at Rays, Thursday at 12:10 p.m.
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