Trevor Larnach's Bomb and Seven Third-Inning Runs Flip the Script: Twins Stun Blue Jays 7-4 to Even the Series

The Minnesota Twins came to Rogers Centre and absolutely blew the roof off in the third inning Saturday, scoring all seven runs in a single frame to stun the Toronto Blue Jays 7-4. This wasn't a slugfest. This was a clinic in offensive execution when it mattered most, and the Twins took full advantage of Eric Lauer's wildness to flip a 2-0 deficit into a commanding lead they never surrendered.

Seven Runs in 23 Minutes

The Blue Jays started hot. George Springer drew a walk in the first, and Daulton Varsho crushed a two-run bomb to right, giving Toronto an early 2-0 edge. Looked like the Jays were ready to run away with it.

Then the third inning happened. Brooks Lee led off with a solo shot to left that bounced off the top of the wall. Byron Buxton followed with an infield hit to third and stole second on Austin Martin's line drive single. Luke Keaschall walked to load the bases, and Ryan Jeffers forced in the tying run with another walk. Josh Bell blooped a two-run single in front of Varsho that fell just enough, and then Trevor Larnach went yard over the right field wall for his first homer of the season. The Twins had seven, the Jays had four pitches to a new pitcher. Lauer was done, having allowed seven runs, five hits, and five walks in just 5 1/3 innings.

Joe Ryan Makes It Hold Up

Minnesota starter Joe Ryan (2-1) was sharp when it counted. He allowed two runs on two hits with one walk and five strikeouts over seven innings, then retired the final 12 Blue Jays batters in a row after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled to open the fourth. Lee also contributed a single to his homer, and Ryan Kreidler, starting at third in place of injured Royce Lewis, made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh.

Toronto's bats didn't completely disappear. Guerrero finished with two hits and a run scored. Jesus Sanchez hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Cole Sands, and Varsho's earlier blast kept the Jays within range. But it wasn't enough.

The series is now even at one game apiece. Game three comes up next, and Minnesota showed they can strike fast when mistakes pile up. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have bigger problems: George Springer left with a left big toe fracture after fouling a ball off his foot in the third.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.