MINNEAPOLIS — — Royce Lewis hit a grand slam for his first massive league homer, capping a nine-run fifth inning that despatched the Minnesota Twins previous the coronavirus-struck Cleveland Guardians 12-8 Friday evening.

Byron Buxton, Jorge Polanco and Gary Sánchez additionally homered for Minnesota. The barrage got here after Minnesota was shut out in two of its three video games towards Houston.

“It got here all the way down to the great at-bats that we crave. We had one after one other,” Twins supervisor Rocco Baldelli stated. “It was sort of a breakthrough the place we really created that actually nice separation that we’re at all times after.”

The Guardians returned after having a recreation Wednesday on the Chicago White Sox known as off — that was the primary COVID-19-related postponement within the majors this season.

Cleveland pitching coach Carl Willis ran the group rather than supervisor Terry Francona, who entered MLB’s well being and security protocols this week. First base coach Sandy Alomar, third base coach Mike Sarbaugh, bench coach DeMarlo Hale, assistant pitching coach Joe Torres and hitting analyst Justin Toole are also out.

Earlier Friday, Cleveland outfielder Josh Naylor was placed on the COVID-19-related injured record.

“We simply wish to be accountable to one another and exit and decide one another up and play the sport the suitable manner,” Willis stated. “I believe they’re in a great way of thinking.”

Lewis, the Twins’ high prospect who debuted earlier this season, batted twice within the fifth. After doubling in his first journey to the plate within the inning, Lewis cleared the bases with a grand slam off reliever Bryan Shaw.

The 22-year-old shortstop acquired a curtain name from Twins followers, stepping out of the dugout to tip his cap after his memorable homer.

“I believe it was just about all the pieces I might’ve imagined and extra,” Lewis stated. “I actually recognize it. This fan base has been at all times actually, actually particular to me and have at all times been nice to me. Minnesota good.”

Lewis did not play in any respect in 2020 or 2021, lacking all of final 12 months on account of a torn ACL in his proper knee. He made his debut with the Twins on Could sixth after Carlos Correa went on the Injured Listing.

Lewis now has hits in six of his first seven main league video games.

“I am simply grateful for the chance to be right here and have enjoyable enjoying the sport I like,” Lewis stated.

Minnesota had gone 4 video games with out a dwelling run, however received its first of the evening within the first at-bat. Buxton related off Aaron Civale (1-3) for a drive deep into the second deck in left discipline.

Polanco additionally hit a first-inning solo shot off Civale, who ultimately settled all the way down to retire 11 straight batters earlier than Minnesota’s offense erupted.

Sánchez tagged Shaw for a three-run drive within the fifth to make it 7-2.

Twins starter Sonny Grey had blended leads to his outing. He struck out a season-high eight but additionally walked 4 in 4 1/3 innings, permitting two runs and 4 hits. He surrendered a solo homer to No. 9 batter Austin Hedges within the fifth.

“Not overly thrilled with how I threw the ball,” Grey stated. “I believe as a unit and as an entire workers normally, we do have to wash up the walks and giving groups free passes.”

Griffin Jax (3-0) relieved Grey and received the win regardless of giving up 4 runs on 4 hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings.

COVID IN THE CLUBHOUSE

Willis as soon as pitched for the Twins.

“I instructed the gamers, we simply need them to play it the suitable manner,” Willis stated earlier than the sport. “We’re not going to get of their manner, however we’ll make selections as we now have to and we’ll go forward and go ahead.”

UP NEXT

RHP Shane Bieber (1-2, 4.13 ERA) will get the beginning Saturday for Cleveland within the second recreation of the collection as he seems to rebound from his worst outing of the 12 months. Devin Smelter might be recalled from Triple-A St. Paul for his 2022 debut to start out Saturday’s recreation for the Twins, Baldelli stated after Friday’s recreation.

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