Mike Yastrzemski triples, scores in bottom of 9th, Giants beat Twins 3-2

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Mike Yastrzemski provided the heroics in the bottom of the ninth inning, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the San Francisco Giants over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. The game was filled with suspense and pivotal moments, highlighted by Yastrzemski’s clutch triple that drove him across home plate for the winning run.

The excitement unfolded after Giants closer Camilo Doval faltered in the top of the ninth, allowing the Twins to tie the game. Yastrzemski seized the opportunity in the bottom half of the inning, smashing a 2-1 splitter from Jhoan Duran into the right-center gap. Center fielder Manuel Margot stumbled while attempting to retrieve the ball, enabling Yastrzemski to speed towards third base.

Brooks Lee swiftly fielded the relay throw and aimed it towards third baseman Diego Castillo. However, Castillo couldn’t secure the ball, prompting jubilation from the Oracle Park crowd as Yastrzemski crossed the plate for the walkoff win.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli lamented his team’s lapse in fundamental play during the crucial ninth inning, which ultimately led to their defeat. Ryan Walker, who retired two batters, earned the victory for the Giants.

The thrilling finale capped off a day where Blake Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, delivered a standout performance on the mound for the Giants. Snell dominated, retiring the first 18 batters he faced until Margot broke his bid for a perfect game with a solid hit in the sixth inning. Snell finished with eight strikeouts and didn’t issue a single walk, showcasing his best form since joining the Giants on a lucrative offseason deal.

Snell’s resurgence is a positive sign for the Giants, especially after a challenging start to the season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. His stellar outing followed a promising display in his previous start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Offensively, Patrick Bailey and Thairo Estrada contributed runs for the Giants, while Yastrzemski’s offensive prowess included two doubles and a crucial walk.

Despite a commendable effort by Twins starter Chris Paddack, who struck out six batters in five innings and conceded only two runs (one unearned), Minnesota couldn’t secure a win for him. Paddack remained winless since June 10 despite his strong outing.

Looking ahead, the Twins will kick off the second half of their season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Giants are set to face the Rockies in Colorado on Friday.

(Photo courtesy of Twins/AP)