Andrés Giménez Delivers Go-Ahead RBI In 10th, Guardians Beat Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrés Giménez ripped a go-ahead double in the 10th inning and scored an insurance run after a collision on the bases, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 Saturday night.
Giménez scored the automatic runner but ran into Minnesota first baseman Jose Miranda as he turned the corner toward second. He was shaken up and met with an athletic trainer but remained in the game. Umpires awarded him second base, and he then scored on Myles Straw's single.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli argued the decision to award Giménez second base and was ejected.
Nick Sandlin (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for Cleveland. Emmanuel Clase allowed the automatic runner to score but still earned his seventh save.
Jharel Cotton (0-1) allowed two runs, one earned, for Minnesota. Gio Urshela hit a solo homer in the fourth inning and drove in the extra runner in the 10th on an infield single.
The Twins were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and left 12 runners on base.
Minnesota twice loaded the bases against starter Shane Bieber and wasn't able to score.
Max Kepler struck out after two two-out hits and a walk in the third. The Twins had the bases full with no outs in the fifth but were retired after Urshela's tapper in front of the mound was turned into a double play and Miranda grounded out.
FOR STARTERS
Devin Smeltzer was recalled from Triple-A and made the start for Minnesota, returning to the majors following an injury-filled 2021 where he lost the feeling in three fingers on his pitching hand before sustaining a herniated disc in his neck.
The left-hander gave up three hits and a run in five innings.
Bieber allowed one run on seven hits and three walks in six innings, striking out seven. He was coming off his worst start of the season when he surrendered seven runs in 3 1/3 innings against Toronto.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Guardians: Acting manager Carl Willis and an athletic trainer came out to check on Reyes after he singled in the second. He tested out an apparent leg injury by running and stayed in the game. Willis is filling in for Terry Francona, who is out with COVID-19 along with several coaches.
Twins: To add Smeltzer, Minnesota optioned 1B/OF Alex Kirilloff to Triple-A St. Paul, but Baldelli said there is no issue with Kirilloff's troublesome right wrist. The team wants to get Kirilloff regular at-bats. ... 1B Miguel Sanó, who underwent knee surgery last week, was transferred to the 60-day injured list. … RHP Bailey Ober (right groin strain) was scheduled for a rehab start in Triple-A on Saturday, but the game was rained out.
UP NEXT
RHP Triston McKenzie (2-2, 2.76) will start Sunday's series finale for Cleveland, with RHP Joe Ryan (3-2, 2.56 ERA) scheduled for Minnesota. Ryan is coming off his worst start of the season, allowing four runs in four innings in a loss to Houston. McKenzie has won two starts in a row, allowing two runs over 12 1/3 innings.
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