Jarren Duran delivered a stellar performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, as the Red Sox crushed the Twins 13-1 in Minnesota on Wednesday. Trevor Story also contributed, hitting his second homer in as many games, solidifying Boston's series win.
On the mound, Brayan Bello showcased his skills, allowing just one earned run on five hits over seven innings while striking out four. The Dominican right-hander has now achieved a quality start in nine of his last ten appearances, further establishing his role as a key player for the Red Sox.
With this victory, Boston wrapped up July with a commendable 17-7 record, positioning themselves with the fifth-best mark in the American League at 59-51. In contrast, Minnesota's struggles continued, as they fell to 51-57 and have now recorded a disappointing 4-8 since the All-Star break, placing them fourth in the AL Central.
Story's 17th home run of the season put Boston ahead 1-0 in the second inning. An RBI sacrifice fly from Abraham Toro in the third extended the lead, and Duran's two-run single in the fifth pushed the score to 4-1, effectively ending Zebby Matthews' day on the mound.
Matthews (2-3) had a rough outing, surrendering five earned runs on eight hits while striking out four batters before being replaced.
In roster news, Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman was sidelined to rest a quadriceps injury that had previously kept him out for seven weeks. He is anticipated to return on Friday. Meanwhile, the Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list due to left rib cartilage irritation.
Minnesota shortstop Carlos Correa is currently day-to-day after leaving Tuesday's game with a migraine, adding to the team's injury woes.
Duran's impressive sixth-inning home run, which soared 416 feet into the second deck in right-center field, was celebrated with a playful gesture as he rounded the bases, mimicking an airplane—a nod to the turbulent charter flight that brought the Red Sox to Minnesota.
As of Wednesday, Boston led the American League and ranked third in Major League Baseball with an impressive 2.94 ERA for July. Both teams will have a day off on Thursday; the Red Sox will kick off a six-game home stand against Houston on Friday, while Minnesota embarks on a six-game road trip starting at Cleveland.
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