Twins 5, Brewers 2
MILWAUKEE -- Eduardo Escobar hit a three-run home run, Torii Hunter hit two homers and Kyle Gibson worked into the seventh, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at Miller Park.
Gibson (5-6) cruised through his first few innings, allowing only two hits, a double by center fielder Carlos Gomez and first baseman Adam Lind's run-scoring single in the fourth.
In the seventh, Gibson finally ran into trouble, allowing back-to-back one-out singles to left fielder Shane Peterson and shortstop Jean Segura.
Gibson retired second baseman Scooter Gennett before pinch-hitter Ryan Braun got the Brewers to within two on a single to left.
Manager Paul Molitor turned to his bullpen at that point and right-hander Blaine Boyer struck out right fielder Gerardo Parra to end the inning.
After going down quietly the first four innings, the Twins finally got to Milwaukee right-hander Matt Garza (4-10) in the fifth. Hunter led off with a double and catcher Chris Herrmann followed with a walk.
That brought up Escobar, who fouled off three straight 1-and-1 pitches before driving a fly ball to right-center for his fourth home run of the season.
After Gibson sat the Brewers down, in order in the bottom of the inning, Minnesota struck again in the sixth.
First baseman Joe Mauer led off with a single but was retired when third baseman Trevor Plouffe bounced into a double play.
Mauer was originally ruled safe but Brewers manager Craig Counsell challenged the call, which was overturned. The replay prevented greater damage when Hunter followed with his ninth home run of the season, giving the Twins a 4-1 lead.
Counsell pinch-hit for Garza to open the bottom of the inning. He allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two over six innings.
In his last three starts, Garza is 0-3 with an 8.50 ERA.
Hunter struck again in the ninth, hitting a solo shot off right-hander Corey Knebel, and left-hander Glen Perkins worked a perfect ninth for his 24th save in as many chances this season.
NOTES: With OFs Byron Buxton and Aaron Hicks out with because of injuries, Minnesota manager Paul Molitor put Eddie Rosario in center field Saturday. Rosario had played 180 minor league games at the position, including 11 this year for Triple-A Rochester before being recalled on May 4, when LF Oswaldo Arcia went on the disabled list. ... Molitor also gave Danny Santana a start at shortstop. He was recalled from Rochester on Friday. ... Brewers manager Craig Counsell gave RF Ryan Braun a day off Saturday. Braun had played 20 consecutive games since missing two earlier this month to have his injured right thumb treated. ... Gerardo Parra started in right field in place of Braun, while Shane Peterson got the start in left. ... The series concludes Sunday with Twins LHP Tommy Milone (4-1, 3.59 ERA) taking on Milwaukee RHP Mike Fiers (3-7, 4.39 ERA).