Springer Leads Blue Jays to Victory Over Twins with Late Homer

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — George Springer hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Saturday.

The pivotal home run came against Twins reliever Brock Stewart, who had allowed a leadoff double just one batter earlier. This was Springer’s 10th home run of the season and it brought the Blue Jays from a 3-2 deficit to a 4-3 lead, just as a light rain began falling at Target Field.

The Blue Jays added an insurance run in the ninth inning on a two-out RBI single by Matt Chapman off Twins closer Jhoan Durán. Reliever Yimi García, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning, earned the win and improved his record to 2-1. Despite allowing a solo homer in the ninth to Max Kepler, García still secured his 15th career save.

The Twins had taken a 3-2 lead in the game after a solo home run from Joey Gallo in the sixth inning. Gallo’s shot was his second home run in three days, putting pressure on Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, who initially threw five hitless innings.

The Twins had a golden opportunity to score in the seventh when they loaded the bases, but failed to capitalize as José Miranda flew out to end the threat. Key moment of the game came when Davis Schneider‘s leadoff double in the eighth shifted the momentum back to the Blue Jays.

With Saturday’s no-decision, Gausman now holds just one win in 14 career starts against the Twins, maintaining a career ERA of 6.44 against them.

Up next, the Blue Jays will send right-hander Bowden Francis (2-7, 5.84 ERA) to the mound for the series finale on Sunday. The Twins will counter with Joe Ryan (6-2, 2.91 ERA), who has won four of his last five starts.