Twins Edge Pirates 2-1 as Joe Ryan Shines

Trevor Larnach's two-run homer propelled the Minnesota Twins to a 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night, extending the Pirates' losing streak to seven games.

Joe Ryan (9-4) delivered a solid outing, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five and walking two over five innings. His efficiency was evident as he threw 54 of his 86 pitches for strikes, maintaining a remarkable record of allowing two runs or fewer in 14 of his 18 starts this season. The Twins' bullpen, featuring five relievers, secured the win, with Jhoan Duran earning his 15th save in 17 opportunities.

On the other side, Paul Skenes (4-8) also pitched five innings, giving up two runs on five hits and recording six strikeouts. Notably, he struck out Matt Wallner to achieve his 300th career strikeout and fanned the side in the first inning on just 12 pitches. Despite his efforts, Skenes remains winless in his last eight starts since May 28, even though he has allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of his 20 outings.

Both pitchers had their starts adjusted to ensure their availability for Tuesday's All-Star Game in Atlanta.

The Pirates initially took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Spencer Horwitz singled and scored on Isiah Kiner-Falefa's two-out double.

However, Byron Buxton's grounder to third base marked a turning point as he beat out the throw after Skenes had been perfect through three innings. Larnach followed with his 13th home run, putting the Twins ahead 2-1.

In a tense ninth inning, Horwitz singled again, and pinch runner Jac Suwinski stole second base to get into scoring position. Duran responded by striking out both Adam Frazier and Kiner-Falefa to seal the game.

In an unfortunate incident, Twins shortstop Carlos Correa was assisted off the field in the seventh inning following a collision with Tommie Pham at second base.

Skenes made history as the 17th pitcher ever—and the first from the Pirates—to reach 300 strikeouts within his first 43 starts.

The Twins have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Saturday's matchup against Pirates right-hander Mike Burrows (1-2, 3.63 ERA).