Blue Jays Edge Twins 6-4 in Series Opener

Addison Barger launched a two-run home run, while Bo Bichette delivered a crucial two-run single in the fifth inning, propelling the Toronto Blue Jays to a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night. This win marks the Blue Jays' fifth straight triumph.

Trevor Larnach initiated the scoring for the Twins, homering just two batters into the game against rookie Paxton Schultz, tying him for the team lead with ten home runs. Kody Clemens contributed with a run-scoring ground out, and Christian Vázquez added a two-out RBI double, pushing Minnesota ahead 3-0 in the second inning.

In the fourth inning, Bailey Ober hit Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a pitch, marking the beginning of a shift in momentum. Barger then connected for a homer to right field, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Notably, five of Barger's seven home runs have come in his last seven games.

Ernie Clement opened the fifth with a single, followed by Andrés Giménez's double. Bichette then blooped a single into center field, giving Toronto a 4-3 lead.

George Springer extended the lead with his ninth home run—a solo shot off Mason Fluharty—in the sixth inning, making it 5-3.

Guerrero doubled to start the eighth and later scored on Alejandro Kirk's single, increasing Toronto's advantage to 6-3.

Ober (4-2) had a solid outing, retiring the first eight Blue Jays before walking Giménez on a full count. He finished with five runs and five hits allowed over seven innings.

Eric Lauer (2-1) took over for Schultz in the third inning, delivering 2 1/3 scoreless innings with just one hit allowed to earn the win. Fluharty and Yariel Rodríguez each recorded four outs, while Jeff Hoffman secured his 14th save in 17 opportunities during the ninth.

Royce Lewis stood out for Minnesota, going 3 for 3. He managed a two-out RBI single in the eighth off Brendan Little, bringing the Twins within two runs. However, Little stranded the tying runs when Clemens grounded out.

Historically, Toronto holds a 236-193 advantage over Minnesota, although the Twins have claimed victory in six of the last seven season series.

Looking ahead, Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.82 ERA) is set to face Twins RHP Chris Paddack (2-5, 3.58) on Saturday.