Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles split series in wild-card race

The Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles split a three-game series in Minneapolis as both teams continue their pursuit of a wild-card playoff spot.

In the series opener, the Twins secured a 9-5 victory led by Austin Martin, who recorded four hits including a home run. Pitcher Dean Kremer, recently traded from Baltimore to Minnesota, delivered a dominant performance against his former team, allowing only one run and one hit over seven innings with seven strikeouts.

The Orioles responded in the second game with a 5-2 win. Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand each recorded a home run and three hits to power the Baltimore offense. Orioles pitcher Brandon Young earned the win, pitching six innings and allowing two runs. The game also saw Orioles catcher Yohel Pozo leave the contest in pain after being struck by a bat.

Both teams remain in close contention for postseason positioning, with the Twins trailing the division leader and the Orioles chasing the final wild-card spot.