Twins bash O’s, sweep double-header

Baltimore — The Minnesota Twins had their hitting shoes on in Game 2 of Saturday’s double-header, beating the Orioles, 16-7.

The Twins bashed eight home runs, including two each by designated hitter Nelson Cruz, catcher Mitch Garver and second baseman Jonathan Schoop.

The win secured a double-header sweep for Minnesota, having won Game 1, 6-5.

Orioles starter Alex Cobb (L, 0-1) wasn’t fooling anyone in his first start since the home opener on April 4th.

Cobb allowed nine runs on 10 hits in just 2 2/3 innings of work.

Cruz blasted a two-run homer in the 1st inning, which was followed up by first baseman C.J. Cron’s solo homer.

In the 2nd inning, Minnesota tacked on a single run on an RBI double off the bat of Garver, who finished with a game-high 5 RBIs.

Leading, 4-0, Minnesota poured it on in the 3rd inning. Led by home runs off the bat of left fielder Eddie Rosario, and Garver, who homered off reliever Mike Wright.

After the dust settled, the Twins led, 10-0.

In the top of the 4th, Schoop launched a 3-run homer off Wright, making the score 13-0.

The Orioles finally showed some life in the bottom of the inning when left fielder Renato Nunez hit a two run home run off Twins starter Martin Perez (W, 2-0).

Third baseman Hanser Alberto connected for his first Major League home run in the bottom of the 6th, a two-run shot.

One pitching bright spot for Baltimore was the Major League debut of right hander Brandon Kline in the 7th inning.

Kline was added as the “26th man” for the double-header. He grew up in Frederick, MD.

Kline worked a perfect 7th, but allowed solo home runs to Cruz and Garver in the 8th.

The Orioles added three runs in the bottom of the 8th, highlighted by Nunez’s second home run of the game.

O’s manager Brandon Hyde, not wanting to burn any more bullpen arms, called on designated hitter Chris Davis to pitch the 9th. Davis did well, his only blemish was a solo home run to Schoop.

The Orioles are 8-13 on the season.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon. Dylan Bundy (0-2, 7.79) takes the mound for the Orioles. He will be opposed by Kyle Gibson (0-2, 7.36).

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05.