Bradley, long ball help Twins end three-game skid

Twins right-hander Taj Bradley pitches six scoreless innings in 5-1 win over Royals

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring angular, colorful shapes that abstractly represent the players and field of a baseball game, conveying the sport's energy and movement.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of a Twins-Royals baseball game, with players and the field deconstructed into vibrant geometric shapes.Kansas City Today

The Minnesota Twins ended their three-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, thanks to a strong outing from right-hander Taj Bradley and late-game home runs from Kody Clemens, Matt Wallner, and Josh Bell. Bradley pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out three batters, including a key strikeout of Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. The Twins' offense came alive in the eighth and ninth innings, with Clemens hitting a solo homer to extend the lead.

Why it matters

The win stops the Twins' three-game skid and prevents a sweep by the Royals, keeping them within striking distance in the early part of the 2026 season. Bradley's impressive performance on the mound also showcases his potential as a young pitcher, as the Twins look to build around their talented roster.

The details

Twins right-hander Taj Bradley delivered a strong outing, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out three batters, including a key strikeout of Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in the third inning. Bradley worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning with another strikeout. The Twins' offense struggled early but broke through in the eighth and ninth innings, with Kody Clemens, Matt Wallner, and Josh Bell each hitting solo home runs to extend the lead.

  • On Thursday afternoon, the Twins defeated the Royals 5-1 at Kauffman Stadium.
  • The win stopped the Twins' three-game losing streak and prevented a sweep by the Royals.
  • Bradley made his second start of the season for the Twins, who acquired him in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays last July.

The players

Taj Bradley

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, who delivered a strong six-inning, scoreless outing against the Royals.

Kody Clemens

A Twins infielder who scored the team's first run and hit a solo home run in the ninth inning to extend the lead.

Matt Wallner

A Twins outfielder who hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.

Josh Bell

A Twins designated hitter who also hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.

Bobby Witt Jr.

A star infielder for the Kansas City Royals who was struck out by Bradley in a key moment.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think he understands how good he is. He's got some of the most insane pitches. They're all electric. I've said it a bunch. He's amazing.”

— Kody Clemens, Twins infielder

“It wasn't even his best stuff. But his execution in big moments was great.”

— Victor Caratini, Twins catcher

“This is a tough lineup that does not strike out a lot. He was really able to stabilize after getting his pitch count up early.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins manager

What’s next

The Twins will return to Target Field on Friday afternoon for their 2026 home opener, looking to build on this win and continue their strong start to the season.

The takeaway

Bradley's impressive outing, combined with the Twins' late-game power display, shows the team has the talent to compete in the AL Central this season. If Bradley can continue to develop and the offense can find its rhythm, the Twins could be a team to watch in the coming months.