In Atlanta on Saturday night, the Braves secured a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins, marking their first consecutive win of the season. Prominent in the triumph was Alex Verdugo, making his second start as the team’s left fielder and leadoff hitter. Verdugo was instrumental with four hits, including a pivotal go-ahead single in the sixth inning. His performance was critical in a lineup revitalization effort, following his signing on March 20 to a $1.5 million one-year deal. The win on Saturday builds on the Braves’ winning streak, as they improve their season record to 7-13 after a challenging 0-7 start.
The Braves’ dominance over the Twins extends to a ten-game winning run against them, a streak that dates back to 2019. On the mound for the Twins was right-hander Justin Topa, who made his starting debut after previously serving in 102 relief appearances. Topa conceded one run during his single inning of work. Despite Minnesota’s initial lead, highlighted by rookie Luke Keaschall’s run-scoring double off Chris Sale in the first inning, Sale managed to hold the Twins to two runs over 4 and 1/3 innings. Additionally, Minnesota’s Carlos Correa hit his first home run of the season against Sale in the fourth inning.
Minnesota faced a setback when right fielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. exited the game due to a bruised left hand, although he is expected to return soon as no fracture was detected. In the relief role, Pierce Johnson (1-0) achieved a scoreless inning, and Raisel Iglesias flawlessly closed the ninth inning to achieve his fourth save.
A critical turning point occurred in the sixth inning when Braves’ Michael Harris II hit a home run, tying the game and setting the stage for Verdugo’s decisive single. Minnesota’s Simeon Woods Richardson (1-2), who took over from Topa, struggled in that inning, surrendering the lead. Brock Stewart substituted Richardson, only to allow Verdugo’s single that propelled Atlanta ahead.
Verdugo has been notably effective against Minnesota, maintaining a career batting average of .357 against them. As the interleague series draws to a close, both teams look to clinch the series finale in a duel of right-handers: Minnesota’s Joe Ryan (1-1, 2.45 ERA) squares off against Atlanta’s Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.78 ERA) on Sunday.