Minnesota Twins: Birthday Boy, Brian Dozier Delivers Offensive Punch in Win

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 3-2 and are now four games over .500 with a 20-16 record. With the win, the Twins improved to 13-5 at Target Field.

On his 28th Birthday, Twins second baseman, Brian Dozier had himself a solid outing. Dozier brought his hitting streak to seven games with a solo home run in the third. Dozier’s fifth home run of the season tied the game at one a piece. Dozier also hit what proved to be the game-winning sac fly in the seventh inning, following a game-tying RBI triple by Danny Santana.

Dozier’s offensive output backed a strong outing by starting pitcher, Phil Hughes. Hughes had his best outing of the 2015 season, going seven innings giving up two earned runs on five hits. The run he gave up in the fifth inning came after Escobar misplayed a fly ball in left field. The win, makes it three in a row for Hughes.

Hughes gave way to the bullpen following the seventh inning. Blaine Boyer brought his scoreless inning streak to 15. Boyer worked the eighth inning, giving up one hit and striking out another.

Twins closer, Glen Perkins picked up his 100th career save. Just like much of his career, his 100th save was nothing flashy, but it was effective. Perkins is now 12-12 for save opportunities this season.

The Twins and Rays are now tied for the fifth best record in the American League. The Twins 13-5 record at Target Field, is the best home record in the American League. If the Twins continue to win at home, they’ll find themselves in contention in August and September.

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