(Minneapolis) The Toronto Blue Jays lost their first game 3-1 to the Minnesota Twins in their American League Draft Series on Tuesday.
Royce Lewis hit two homers for the Twins in his first two at-bats of the playoffs. 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 in the regular season) had a four-inning night of work. 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 an earned run and five hits in five and two-thirds innings of work.
The Blue Jays’ playoff struggles 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 match. He took advantage of his presence on the trails to score one of the Twins’ three points.
Lewis hit his second homer in the third inning, to right field.
In the fourth, Pablo Lopez conceded a first hit, while Bo Bichette hit a single with one out.
Lewis received a standing ovation from the crowd when he came up to bat 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 take place on Thursday.
The series winners will face the Houston Astros.
