Lee and Vázquez go back to back to power Twins past Blue Jays 6-3 and avoid series sweep

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Brooks Lee and Christian Vázquez launched back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, powering the Minnesota Twins to a 6-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Twins and prevented a sweep at home.

Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the fourth, Lee tied the game with his fifth home run of the season off reliever Bowden Francis. Moments later, Vázquez followed with his second homer, putting the Twins ahead for good.

Joe Ryan (7-2) pitched five innings, allowing three runs — two earned — on four hits to halt Toronto’s four-game winning streak. The Minnesota bullpen held strong, with scoreless innings from Brock Stewart, Cole Sands, and Griffin Jax, while Jhoan Duran closed it out in the ninth for his 10th save of the year.

Toronto struck first in the second inning when Alan Roden doubled home a run. But Minnesota responded quickly — Vázquez tied it with an RBI groundout, and Trevor Larnach’s sacrifice fly gave the Twins a 2-1 edge.

The Blue Jays regained the lead in the third behind an RBI single from Alejandro Kirk and a run-scoring double from George Springer. However, their advantage was short-lived.

After the homers from Lee and Vázquez in the fourth, Minnesota added insurance in the fifth. Ty France delivered an RBI single, and Byron Buxton drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the scoring.

Francis (2-8) was tagged for four runs on five hits and five walks over just 3 1/3 innings. Mason Fluharty and Erik Swanson followed in relief, combining to allow two more runs.

The turning point came in the fourth inning with Lee’s blast to right and Vázquez’s shot to left — the Twins’ second set of back-to-back homers this season, and the first at Target Field.

Minnesota continues to lead the majors in fewest walks issued, with just 164 — 31 fewer than Toronto. The Blue Jays issued eight free passes in Sunday’s finale alone.

What’s Next

Toronto heads to St. Louis for a three-game set starting Monday. The Cardinals will send RHP Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.91 ERA) to the mound, while the Blue Jays’ starter remains unannounced.
The Twins begin a three-game series at home against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Neither team has named a starting pitcher.