Twins hammer Orioles in first game since players-only meeting

The Twins pounded out 12 hits, including three homers in the 8-1 victory.

Wednesday's players-only meeting after being swept by the Braves has thus far produced good results as the Minnesota Twins took it to the Orioles in an 8-1 drubbing Friday night in Baltimore. 

The Twins put Carlos Correa in the leadoff spot for just the fourth time in his career and he started the game with a single and was one of five Twins to finish with at least two hits, the others being Byron Buxton (2), Alex Kirilloff (2), Royce Lewis (3) and Max Kepler (2). 

Minnesota slugged three homers. Joey Gallo went deep with a solo shot in the second innings, Kepler hit a two-run bomb in the third and Buxton pulled a three-run homer into the left field seats in the fourth. 

Eight runs was more than enough support for Pablo Lopez, who tossed six innings and allowed just one run on three hits. He had allowed just one hit before rookie Adley Rutschman snuck a towering fly ball over the wall in right with two outs in the sixth. 

At 41-42, the Twins lead the AL Central by one game over the Guardians (39-42). Baltimore, at 48-32, has the second best record in the American League and third best winning percentage (.600) in the majors. 

Up next: Twins at Orioles, Saturday at 3:05 p.m. CT. 

Note: Sunday's game between the Twins and Orioles starts at 11:05 a.m .CT and will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.