Royce Lewis tiebreaking homer carries Twins past Orioles 4-1 for 1st win of season

Minnesota's bullpen shuts down Baltimore after Lewis' fifth-inning blast.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:35am

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Royce Lewis hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the fifth inning, and the Minnesota Twins used a strong effort from their bullpen to beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 on Saturday. Lewis' blast off Kyle Bradish gave the Twins their first lead of the season after a 2-1 loss in the opener. Minnesota starter Taj Bradley struck out nine over 4 1/3 innings, and five relievers combined to shut down the Orioles over the final 4 2/3 innings.

Why it matters

The Twins are looking to bounce back from a 70-92 season in 2025 under new manager Derek Shelton. This win gives them their first victory of the young season and some early momentum as they try to climb back into contention in the AL Central.

The details

Lewis connected off Bradish after a leadoff walk to Trevor Larnach, giving the Twins a 3-1 lead. Kody Clemens added an RBI single in the seventh to provide some insurance. Minnesota's bullpen was stellar, with Anthony Banda, Kody Funderburk, Eric Orze, Justin Topa, and Cole Sands combining to allow just one hit over the final 4 2/3 innings.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • First pitch temperature was a brisk 46 degrees, down substantially from the 77 degrees for the season opener on Thursday.

The players

Royce Lewis

The Twins' young slugger hit the go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning to give Minnesota the lead for good.

Taj Bradley

The Twins' starting pitcher struck out nine batters over 4 1/3 innings, keeping his team in the game before handing it over to the bullpen.

Derek Shelton

The Twins' first-year manager is looking to turn the team around after a 70-92 season in 2025.

Kyle Bradish

The Orioles' starting pitcher took the loss, giving up the go-ahead homer to Lewis in the fifth inning.

Colton Cowser

The Orioles' outfielder doubled and scored Baltimore's lone run in the second inning.

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What they’re saying

“This win gives us some early momentum as we try to climb back into contention in the AL Central.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

What’s next

The series finale on Sunday will feature Twins RHP Bailey Ober against Orioles RHP Shane Baz, who is making his debut with Baltimore after being traded from Tampa Bay in December.

The takeaway

The Twins' bullpen was the key to this victory, shutting down the Orioles' offense after starter Taj Bradley left the game. Royce Lewis' go-ahead homer in the fifth inning proved to be the difference, giving Minnesota its first win of the season and some early optimism under new manager Derek Shelton.