WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Minnesota Twins secured a convincing 10-3 victory against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday evening, powered by Willi Castro’s impressive performance. Castro smashed two solo home runs, contributing significantly to the team’s back-to-back four-run innings in both the sixth and seventh, further extending the Athletics’ losing streak to eight consecutive games.
Trevor Larnach also showcased his power with a home run, and Byron Buxton added impact with a two-run single in the sixth inning. Royce Lewis emerged from a frustrating period without hits, successfully breaking an 0-for-32 slump with a crucial bases-loaded two-run double in the seventh inning, significantly marking his return to form.
Castro’s powerful hits raised his season total to six home runs, while Larnach’s home run marked his ninth of the season during a standout three-hit performance. The athletic prowess of Buxton was on display as he followed up his five RBIs performance in a Monday victory against the A’s with another solid game.
Pablo López, the Twins’ starting pitcher, delivered five innings on the mound, allowing two runs from four hits. He navigated through three walks and struck out four batters before suffering shoulder discomfort, specifically a lat strain, as revealed by Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli. This injury halted López from continuing past the fifth inning.
Meanwhile, the Athletics, amidst a historical slump, have now endured their fourth bout of losing 19 out of 20 games in franchise history, during which they have been collectively outscored by a staggering margin of 95 runs. Taking to the mound for the Athletics was Jacob Lopez, who attempted to steer the game following opener Grant Holman. Despite managing to strike out a career-best nine batters across 4 1/3 innings, Lopez conceded three home runs.
Adding a bright spot for Oakland was Tyler Soderstrom, who achieved his first major league triple.
In what might have been another memorable moment, Lewis narrowly missed a grand slam with his seventh-inning double, though it was enough to end his hitless streak.
The Athletics’ struggles have been compounded by a persistent issue with conceding home runs, having allowed 47 during their recent 1-19 stretch, totaling 94 for the season—unsurpassed by any other team in the majors.
Looking forward, the Twins’ Zebby Matthews is set to face off against the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs in the next game on Wednesday.