Minnesota Twins Hammer Yanks in Finale

Jun 26, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a two run home run to right during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a two run home run to right during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins Homer Six Times in Winning Finale

“Chicks dig the long ball.”

Remember that MLB slogan from the late 1990’s? Well, they would have loved today’s Minnesota Twins/New York Yankees game especially if they were Minnesota fans.

The Twins hit a record six home runs in Yankees Stadium and Tyler Duffey pitched a perfect game into the sixth inning, as the Minnesota Twins banged out a 7-1 win to salvage the finale in New York.

Lost amid the home run barrage was the performance by Duffey. Many alluded to a make-or-break start, and Duffey did not crumble under the pressure.

Former Twin Aaron Hicks broke up the perfect game and no-hit bid with two outs in the sixth inning with a double; one of only two hits allowed by Twins pitchers in the game.

Duffey was rolling through the first five innings, then the Twins lengthened the game in the top of the sixth with four runs on three home runs, possibly making Duffey sit too long in the dugout.

But I’m sure Duffey didn’t mind all the insurance runs the Minnesota Twins put up on the board.

More from Puckett's Pond

It started off as another inning where the Twins looked to have wasted an opportunity.

Eduardo Nunez led off with a single. Robbie Grossman tried to bunt over Nunez to second, but popped out instead. Then Nunez was caught stealing for the second out.

Joe Mauer then walked, setting the stage for back-to-back-to-back home runs by Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe, and Max Kepler – scoring four runs to extend the Minnesota Twins’ lead to 5-0.

Duffey made sure to close the door from there on out before Brandon Kintzler pitched a perfect ninth inning.

Twins communications director, Dustin Morse, said the last time the Twins hit six home runs in a game was July 2007.

The record is eight  home runs in a game. The other three solo shots Sunday were by Juan Centeno, Nunez, and Danny Santana.

Next: Defense Drops Ball in Loss

MVT: Tyler Duffey – Easiest MVT of the year. Earns third win, tied for tops on team.

The Minnesota Twins (24-51) will have Monday off while traveling to Chicago to face the White Sox in a three game series starting Tuesday night. Kyle Gibson will try once more for his first win of the year against Jose Quintana. First pitch will be 7:05 CDT. Game will be broadcast on Fox Sports North.

Schedule