Twins play long-ball, top O’s, 6-1

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Twins hit five home runs Friday night en route to a 6-1 win over the Orioles.

The Twins home run party got started in the 1st inning when they went back-to-back-to-back off Orioles starter Alex Cobb (L, 0-2).

Designated hitter Nelson Cruz kicked things off with a two-out solo home run to center field.

Left fielder Eddie Rosario followed Cruz with his 11th home run of the season.

First baseman C.J. Cron then gave the Twins a 3-0 lead, blasting a 430 ft. shot over the left field fence.

Minnesota would tack on a run in the 3rd when centerfielder Joey Rickard misplayed a fly ball at the wall, allowing a run to score. Rickard was charged with an error.

Twins right fielder Max Kepler took Cobb deep in the bottom of the 4th inning, another long homer, making the score 5-0.

Cobb finished the inning, but would not come out for the 5th. He allowed four earned runs on six hits.

Right hander Gabriel Ynoa relieved Cobb to start the 5th and was greeted rudely by Cruz, the first batter he faced, who connected for this second homer of the game, and fifth of the season.

The Orioles offense would finally get on the board in the 6th on left fielder Dwight Smith Jr,’s RBI single.

That was the lone run allowed by Twins starter Martin Perez (W, 3-0) who lasted six innings.

Perez retired the first nine batters he faced and allowed six hits while striking out four.

The Orioles finished with eight hits, three off the bat of first baseman Trey Mancini.

Baltimore falls to 10-17 on the season. Minnesota has won 10 consecutive games against the Orioles.

The series continues tomorrow afternoon. Dan Straily (1-2, 8.59) takes the mound for Baltimore. Minnesota will counter with Jose Berrios (3-1, 2.97).

First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm EDT.