(Minneapolis) The Toronto Blue Jays lost their first game 3-1 against the Minnesota Twins in the American League Draft Series on Tuesday.
Royce Lewis hit two homers for the Twins in his first two playoff at-bats. He thus became the third in the history of the Majors, after Gary Gaetti and Evan Longoria, to achieve the feat.
The Twins ended an 18-game playoff losing streak.
The Blue Jays had six hits and starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (12-9 regular season) had a four-inning work night. He allowed three runs, three hits and as many walks. He struck out five batters.
For the Twins, Pablo Lopez (11-8) was effective with one earned run and five hits in five and two-thirds work.
The Blue Jays’ struggles in the playoffs date back to 2016, a six-game losing streak. They have been swept in two of the last three years.
Quebecer Édouard Julien received a walk in the game. He took advantage of his presence on the trails to score one of the Twins’ three points.
Lewis hit his second home run in the third inning to right field.
In the fourth, Pablo Lopez walked the first hit, while Bo Bichette hit a single with one out.
Lewis received a standing ovation from the crowd when he struck out for the third time. Reliever Erik Swanson, however, allowed him a walk.
Bichette made it 3-1 in the sixth inning, scoring on Kevin Kiermaier’s single that pushed Alejandro Kirk to second base.
Jose Berrios is expected to start Game 2 of the series for the Jays against Sonny Gray. If a third match is necessary, it will be held on Thursday.
The winners of the series will face the Houston Astros.
