Twins Blank Angels Behind Joe Ryan’s Dominant Outing

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Joe Ryan struck out 11 batters over seven scoreless innings Sunday, powering the Minnesota Twins to a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels and securing their first three-game sweep since August.

Ryan (2-2) gave up just four hits and a walk, falling one strikeout short of his career high. Justin Topa finished the shutout with two hitless innings. Both of the Twins’ shutouts this season have come with Ryan on the mound.

The offense came alive in the sixth inning when Ty France hit an RBI double, followed by a two-run double from Ryan Jeffers. France had earlier added a sacrifice fly, and Trevor Larnach drove in another run in the seventh. Carlos Correa led the offense with three hits, including a double, going 6-for-11 in the series despite a season average of .211.

Angels starter José Soriano (2-4) lasted five-plus innings, allowing four runs (three earned). The loss marked the Angels’ third straight defeat and their fifth in six games.

Luis Rengifo had two hits for the Angels. Mike Trout, moved to the leadoff spot for the first time this season, went 0-for-4 and is batting just .170. First baseman Nolan Schanuel sat out with a bruised knee.

One of the game’s highlights came in the seventh inning when Twins center fielder Harrison Bader made a diving, backhanded catch in the outfield.

The sweep was Minnesota’s first over the Angels at Target Field since 2016.

Next Up: The Twins head to Cleveland with Bailey Ober (2-1, 5.04 ERA) facing Gavin Williams (2-1, 4.15 ERA) on Monday. The Angels travel to Seattle where Jack Kochanowicz (1-3, 5.47 ERA) will take on Bryce Miller (1-3, 4.21 ERA) on Tuesday.