Biggio HR helps Blue Jays overcome 5-run deficit, beat Twins 7-6, keep away from sweep

TORONTO — Cavan Biggio hit a go-ahead, three-run homer within the eighth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Minnesota Twins 7-6 Sunday and keep away from a three-game sweep.

Biggio’s fifth homer of the season got here off Emilio Pagán (3-1), who started the eighth by giving up singles to Alejandro Kirk and Santiago Espinal.

The 423-foot drive was the second-longest of Biggio’s profession behind a 429-foot homer in opposition to Tampa Bay on July 27, 2019.

“I got it as good as I could,” Biggio stated. “I kind of knew off the bat that was going to go.”

Matt Chapman added a two-run homer and had three RBIs for the Blue Jays, who’re 8-3 in June.

Nate Pearson (4-0) allowed one hit in two scoreless innings, and Jordan Romano labored round a leadoff stroll within the ninth for his 18th save in 21 probabilities, putting out Trevor Larnach to strand pinch runner Willi Castro at third base.

PHOTOS: Biggio HR helps Blue Jays overcome 5-run deficit, beat Twins 7-6, keep away from sweep

Donovan Solano hit a solo dwelling run for the AL Central-leading Twins, who failed to carry a 6-1, fifth-inning lead.

“We didn’t get it done,” supervisor Rocco Baldelli stated. “It’s disappointing when you have a lead and you can’t hold it.”

The Twins are 9-12 in sequence finales. This was the third time Minnesota misplaced when searching for a three-game sweep.

“The sweep, when you have it in your hand, is what you want,” Baldelli stated, “Walking away without it is definitely disappointing.”

Royce Lewis had three hits for the Twins, extending his streak of consecutive base hits to seven earlier than putting out in opposition to Pearson within the seventh. Lewis went 4 for 4 Friday.

Minnesota’s first six batters reached safely in opposition to Kevin Gausman, who gave up 4 runs and 4 hits in 36-pitch first inning. Alex Kirilloff hit an RBI double, two runs scored on Larnach’s single, and Lewis drove in a run with an infield hit.

Gausman allowed six runs, seven hits and 4 walks in 4 2/3 innings. He’s 1-4 with a 6.35 ERA in 11 profession video games in opposition to the Twins.

“For whatever reason, my whole career has been a grind against them,” Gausman stated.

Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt left within the fourth after being struck on the left forearm by Daulton Varsho’s foul tip. First base umpire Brian Waslh moved behind the plate and Ryan Blakney went from second to first.

Before the inning ended, Toronto’s Nathan Lukes misplaced management of his bat and the barrel struck Twins catcher Christian Vázquez, hitting him across the collarbone. Vázquez was shaken however remained within the sport.

Varsho hit Walsh within the left shoulder with a foul tip within the seventh, however Walsh was in a position to proceed.

Solano homered and Lewis singled dwelling a run within the fifth because the Twins expanded their result in 5 runs, however Chapman’s ninth homer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s RBI grounder lower the margin to 6-4.

Minnesota put runners at second and third with two out within the sixth however the inning ended when Walsh known as a pitch clock violation in opposition to Kirilloff with two strikes, saying he wasn’t alert to the pitcher with eight seconds left on the clock.

“I think it’s a bold call,” Baldelli stated. “I can’t agree with that, and I think the Blue Jays are walking off the field thinking they got away with something.”

Twins starter Louie Varland allowed 4 runs and 6 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Blue Jays: 1B/DH Brandon Belt didn’t play after leaving Saturday’s sport due to a sore left hamstring. … OF Kevin Kiermaier (sore left wrist) didn’t begin for the third straight sport however got here on as a pinch runner within the eighth.

ROSTER MOVES

Toronto optioned RHP Bowden Francis to Triple-A Buffalo and recalled RHP Thomas Hatch from Triple-A.

SUDS SUPERSTITION

Gausman stated he was watching from the coach’s room throughout Toronto’s large comeback.

“Superstition kicks in so whatever you’re doing, you keep doing it,” he stated.

So, what was Gausman doing?

“I did have a beer,” he acknowledged. “It was kind of some nervous sips, but we kept it going, so I had to open another one. It’s rally beers, and sometimes that has to happen.”

UP NEXT

Twins: RHP Pablo López (3-3, 4.25) begins Tuesday because the Twins return dwelling to start a two-game sequence in opposition to Milwaukee. RHP Corbin Burnes (5-4, 3.36) begins for the Brewers.