O’s offense lacks in 4-1 loss to Twins

Minneapolis — The Orioles offense could muster only four hits Sunday afternoon in a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Twins starter Kyle Gibson (W, 2-0) pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out six and not allowing a walk.

Gibson’s only blemish was a two-out solo home run to first baseman, Chris Davis, in the seventh inning. It was Davis’ third long ball of the season.

Orioles starter Dylan Bundy (L, 0-4) was once again haunted by the home run ball.

On the very first pitch of the game, Bundy surrendered a home run to Twins right fielder, Max Kepler.

In the bottom of the third, Twins center fielder, Byron Buxton, duplicated Kepler’s trick, taking the first pitch of the inning out of the yard for a 2-0 lead. It was Buxton’s first homer of the season.

Kepler then followed Buxton with a double. Two batters later, Minnesota left fielder, Eddie Rosario, drew a two-out walk. First baseman, C.J. Cron, also drew a walk, loading the bases.

And, in what has become a theme for Orioles pitching this season, Bundy could not make the big pitch to get out of the inning.

Third baseman, Marwin Gonzalez, blooped a single in front of center fielder, Joey Rickard, and left fielder, Dwight Smith Jr., scoring Kepler and Rosario.

The win completes the three-game series sweep for Minnesota and the season-series sweep, as these two teams will not meet again in 2019.

Baltimore falls to 10-18 on the season. The Orioles have lost 11 consecutive games to the Twins going back to last season.

The Orioles will move on to Chicago to begin a three-game series with the White Sox. Left hander, John Means, (3-2, 1.74) takes the mound for Baltimore. Chicago will start Manny Banuelos (1-0, 2.51).

First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. EST.