Trevor Larnach delivered a standout performance on Friday, contributing significantly to the Minnesota Twins’ commanding 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Larnach showcased his talent by homering, doubling, and driving in four runs, playing a vital role in the team’s success.
Byron Buxton added to the offensive firepower with both a home run and a triple, earning three RBIs. Meanwhile, Mickey Gasper impressed by going 2 for 2, hitting a double, and achieving two RBIs. The Twins, buoyed by this strong offensive showing, have now won three of their last four outings.
Making a solid return after an injury, starting pitcher Pablo López improved his record to 2-1. In his first appearance since early April, following a strained hamstring, López pitched five solid innings. He conceded only two runs on five hits, with two walks and six strikeouts.
The Angels struggled to keep pace as Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe each managed a home run, yet it was not enough to stave off their third loss in four games. Pitcher Kyle Hendricks endured a rough outing, giving up seven runs on three hits in just over three innings. His struggles were compounded by five walks, hitting two batters, and obtaining three strikeouts.
The Twins capitalized on Hendricks’ control issues early on, scoring without a hit in the initial inning. Following a hit batter and two walks, Carlos Correa’s sacrifice fly brought in the first run. Although the Angels quickly evened the score with Jo Adell’s RBI single, Buxton reclaimed the lead for the Twins with a towering solo homer in the third inning.
The turning point arrived in the fourth inning when the Twins significantly expanded their lead. Hendricks allowed a series of walks and singles before Carl Edwards Jr. took over pitching duties. Despite the change, the Twins capitalized with Buxton adding a sacrifice fly and Gasper producing an RBI single. Larnach capped off the inning’s scoring with an impressive three-run homer.
Larnach’s recent form has been remarkable, with three homers and eight RBIs in the last four games, highlighting his crucial role for the Twins.
Looking ahead, the Angels are set to start left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who currently has an 0-3 record and a 3.38 ERA. He will face off against Twins’ right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson, who possesses a 1-2 record and a 4.74 ERA in Saturday’s matchup.