MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Ryan pitched seven smooth innings for the Minnesota Twins, who got a two-run homer by Jose Miranda and a three-run shot from Trevor Larnach before hanging on for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday in the opener of a four-game series.
Ryan allowed one run and four singles while lowering his team-leading ERA to 2.96. The right-hander struck out nine and walked none, getting 15 swings and misses while topping his four-seam fastball out at 96.6 mph, according to MLB’s Statcast. He threw 44 of 52 fastballs above his average velocity (93.7).
“He’s a different animal when he’s throwing that hard,” Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers said.
Ryan (4-3) has pitched into at least the sixth in each of his 11 starts.
“The ball’s coming out well, and it’s not just like he’s throwing hard,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He’s locating his pitches. He’s putting them in great places, and that’s a good combination for him.”
An Egyptian court upholds a prison sentence for the activist who challenged the president
FIFA urges soccer bodies to mandate racism as an offense. Players to flag abuse with crossed hands
Hawaii native Savannah Gankiewicz crowned Miss USA after the previous winner resigned
Twins take opener from Royals 6
Slovak prime minister shot makes EU wonder if elections can be free of violence
Trump hush money trial: Defense lawyers question Michael Cohen's credibility
Forced to rebuild a life at 12, a Haitian girl joins thousands seeking an escape from gang violence
Atlanta Dream moving two games vs Caitlin Clark