In a commanding performance on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis, the Boston Red Sox secured a resounding 9-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins, avoiding a three-game series sweep in the finale. The game was highlighted by key offensive contributions, including two-run home runs by Ceddanne Rafaela and Rafael Devers, along with pivotal two-run doubles from Vaughn Grissom and Dominic Smith.
The Red Sox wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Jarren Duran igniting the offense in the fourth inning by scoring on Rob Refsnyder’s double to level the score at 1-1. Boston surged ahead in the fifth inning when Rafaela launched a 398-foot homer to left-center field, putting the Red Sox in front 3-1.
Boston’s offensive onslaught continued in the eighth inning, as Grissom delivered a crucial two-run double to center field in his debut with the team. Moments later, Smith extended the lead with a powerful two-run double to left field, driving in Wilyer Abreu and Grissom.
Despite a late run-scoring single from Trevor Larnach for the Twins in the bottom of the eighth, the Red Sox remained in control. Devers sealed the victory for Boston in the ninth inning with his own two-run shot, capping off a dominant offensive display for the Red Sox lineup.
On the pitching side, left-hander Brennan Bernardino (1-1) earned the win after recording the final two outs of the fifth inning, following a solid start by Cooper Criswell, who allowed one run on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (1-2) surrendered three runs on four hits over six innings in the losing effort.
The victory halted the Twins’ impressive 12-game winning streak, marking their first defeat since April 21 against the Detroit Tigers. For the Red Sox, the win provided a much-needed boost after narrowly avoiding a series sweep, positioning them well as they continue their campaign in the competitive American League.
