The Minnesota Twins secured a three-game series sweep against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday afternoon at Target Field with a 5-0 victory, anchored by a standout pitching performance from Joe Ryan. The Twins entered the contest as moderate favorites, betting odds near -140 on the moneyline, while underdog Angels were listed around +120.
Ryan’s Command Leads to Series Finale Shutout
Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan delivered one of his most effective performances of the season, striking out 11 batters over seven scoreless innings. Ryan, who improved to 2-2 on the year, allowed just four hits and issued one walk. The 28-year-old came within one strikeout of matching his career high. His precise control and efficient pitch mix limited scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon. Reliever Justin Topa entered in the eighth and closed out the shutout, allowing no hits over the final two innings. This marks the Twins’ second shutout of the season, with Ryan on the mound to start.
Key Offensive Contributions: Support Pitching Effort
The Twins broke open a tight game in the sixth inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Ty France and a two-run double by catcher Ryan Jeffers. That sequence led to the departure of Angels starter José Soriano, who was charged with four runs, three of which were earned, across five-plus innings. France also contributed earlier in the game with a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Trevor Larnach added an RBI single in the seventh to give the Twins additional cushion.
Shortstop Carlos Correa provided consistent production throughout the game, collecting three hits, including a double. Correa went 6-for-11 over the course of the series and is showing signs of recovering from an early-season slump, now batting .211.
Angels Struggle to Generate Offense
The Angels’ lineup was mostly silent against Ryan and the Twins’ pitching staff. Luis Rengifo managed two hits, but Mike Trout, who was moved to the leadoff spot for the first time this season, went hitless. Trout has struggled at the plate so far, entering the game with a .170 average and failing to reverse that trend on Sunday.
Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel was unavailable after exiting Saturday’s game due to a bruised right knee. His status remains day-to-day. Despite a few defensive highlights, including a sliding backhand catch by Twins center fielder Harrison Bader in the seventh, Los Angeles could not avoid its third consecutive loss and fifth in the last six games.
Looking Ahead
The Twins’ sweep marks their first since August and their first over the Angels at Target Field since 2016. Minnesota will travel to Cleveland next, where Bailey Ober (2-1, 5.04 ERA) is scheduled to start against Gavin Williams (2-1, 4.15 ERA) on Monday. The Angels begin a road series in Seattle on Tuesday with Jack Kochanowicz (1-3, 5.47 ERA) set to take the mound opposite Bryce Miller (1-3, 4.21 ERA).
