Twins break out early, often for 10-0 win over Cleveland

CLEVELAND – While his teammates — running on minimal sleep and playing their third game in two days — toiled in 80-degree evening heat, Randy Dobnak took it easy.

The Twins starter could have even fit in a nap, which would have really drawn the envy of many in the dugout who arrived in Ohio at 4:30 a.m. Friday after Thursday's doubleheader in California. But what was playing out in front of him was too fun to miss.

A five-hit, nine-run fourth inning that cycled through the Twins batting order and then some, 13 batters taking on three Cleveland pitchers.

"It was probably the longest in-between innings I've probably ever had," Dobnak said. "… Some guys will go into the tunnel and kind of stay loose throwing baseballs into a net or something like that. I kind of just relaxed, just watching the guys rake."

All that run support helped Dobnak to his first victory in his first start of the season while also paving the way for the team's first shutout in nearly a month. The 10-0 victory was also the most one-sided of the season for the Twins, who completed their 12th game of a 17-game run through 16 days.

"It was a really satisfying effort out there," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "When you're able to put runs up on the board like that and give yourself even just a little breathing room. … It was just the kind of effort you're always looking to have. These types of games never get old."

The Twins quickly picked off Triston McKenzie, who left after giving up six earned runs off two hits in 3⅓ innings, mostly because of his five walks. His successor, Phil Maton, wasn't much better, giving up four hits and four earned runs with one walk in one-third of an inning.

The Twins' nine-run fourth, though, wasn't completely on the shoulders of Cleveland pitchers. Trevor Larnach looked to have grounded into a double play, but shortstop Amed Rosario underthrew from second to McKenzie covering at first, the ball bouncing into the camera well and leading to two Twins runs. An RBI single from Andrelton Simmons, a two-run single from Alex Kirilloff, an RBI double from Miguel Sano and a two-run double from Max Kepler — plus Maton walking in a run — gave the Twins their 10-0 lead.

Rob Refsnyder, who started the pileup with his first home run with the Twins in the third inning, said he noticed McKenzie lost his command in the fourth inning, his fastball rising high to the top of the strike zone. Thus the Twins aimed to force the pitcher lower.

"Guys not trying to do too much … pass the baton and get the next guy up," Refsnyder said. "… Everyone had some really, really solid at-bats, so that was good to see. And especially in the opener of the series. It kind of gives you a little confidence going into the next couple games."

He didn't contribute at the plate, but Dobnak can still claim plenty of credit from the mound. He gave up just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts through his six innings. Jorge Alcala and Luke Farrell went clean through the final three innings to preserve the shutout.

Dobnak wasn't the only one taking in the offensive success as a fan. The pitcher had a plethora of family and friends drive the couple of hours from West Virginia and western Pennsylvania to see him play. And for one, it was a debut.