Twins top Red Sox 5-4 on 2-run single in 9th by Brooks Lee after 90-minute rain delay
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brooks Lee came through with a clutch two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a dramatic 5–4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night, following a 90-minute rain delay.
Boston had just taken the lead in the top of the ninth on an RBI single by Roman Anthony off Twins closer Jhoan Duran (6–4). As rain rolled in, the grounds crew raced to cover the field, pausing play with the Red Sox ahead.
Red Sox reliever Jordan Hicks (1–7), who had warmed up before the downpour, returned after the delay but struggled. He gave up a single to DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and hit both Mickey Gasper and Willi Castro with pitches. With one out and the bases loaded, Lee punched a hit to the opposite field—his third walk-off of the season—as a few hundred fans stood cheering in the rain-soaked stands.
Earlier, Alex Bregman gave Boston the lead with a three-run homer in the fifth inning off Simeon Woods Richardson, putting the Red Sox up 3–2 after another rocky start from Richard Fitts. Fitts had given up a two-run shot to Keirsey in the third, after walking Christian Vázquez. Keirsey, starting for the first time in 29 games with Byron Buxton sidelined due to ribcage irritation, entered the game hitting just .120 (9 for 75). Vázquez has been slumping for weeks, batting below .200.
The Red Sox, dealing with bullpen issues—closer Aroldis Chapman (back tightness) was unavailable, and Garrett Whitlock was ailing after a rough flight—are also looking for help in the rotation after losing Hunter Dobbins for the season.
Meanwhile, Minnesota made a notable roster move ahead of the game, trading starter Chris Paddack to division-leading Detroit.
Fitts managed to escape a fourth-inning jam with the bases loaded and no outs, striking out Ty France and inducing a double play from Vázquez.
Anthony, Boston’s new leadoff man, reached base four times, collecting two hits and two walks.
Up Next:
Boston sends Lucas Giolito (6–2, 3.97 ERA) to the mound Tuesday. The Twins, originally scheduled to start Paddack, will instead turn to a bullpen game.
