Joe Ryan, Max Kepler help Twins rout Tigers for sixth consecutive win
Minnesota Twins' Max Kepler, left, celebrates with his teammates after hitting a home run against Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Pineda during the second inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Max Kepler hit two solo home runs, Joe Ryan pitched seven dominant innings and the Minnesota Twins stretched their winning streak to six games by beating the Detroit Tigers 5-0 on Wednesday at Target Field.
The only hit against Ryan (3-1) was a fourth-inning single by Miguel Cabrera, who recently reached 3,000 career hits. Ryan, who walked one and struck out nine, has not allowed a run in 17 straight innings.
Relievers Joe Smith and Danny Coulombe tossed an inning apiece to finish off the shutout.
Detroit starter Michael Pineda (1-1) gave up four runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out two without issuing a walk. The former Twin gave up both of Kepler’s home runs. The Twins did not offer Pineda a contract to return in the offseason.
The teams will play the series finale on Thursday afternoon at Target Field.