Twins Salvage Series Finale with Late Offensive Surge

Rookie pitcher Taj Bradley delivers strong outing to help Minnesota avoid sweep in Kansas City

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:27am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Twins' dramatic comeback victory, capturing the energy and tension of the late-inning rally.Kansas City Today

The Minnesota Twins were able to avoid a three-game sweep against the Kansas City Royals, rallying for three solo home runs in the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 victory. Rookie pitcher Taj Bradley turned in a strong outing, keeping the Twins in the game until their bats finally came alive late.

Why it matters

The Twins' comeback win helps them maintain position in the AL Central division race, as they look to return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Bradley's impressive performance also bodes well for the team's pitching depth as they navigate the long MLB season.

The details

Trailing 2-0 heading into the ninth inning, the Twins finally broke through against Royals reliever Steven Cruz. In a four-batter span, Minnesota sluggers hit three solo home runs to take the lead. The late offensive surge backed a solid outing from rookie starter Taj Bradley, who allowed just two runs over six innings of work.

  • The Twins and Royals played the final game of their three-game series on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Twins scored all three of their runs in the top of the ninth inning.

The players

Taj Bradley

A 24-year-old rookie pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who turned in a strong performance to keep his team in the game.

Steven Cruz

The Kansas City Royals relief pitcher who surrendered the three solo home runs in the ninth inning to the Twins.

Minnesota Twins

The MLB team that was able to avoid a sweep against their division rival Kansas City Royals with a late comeback victory.

Kansas City Royals

The MLB team that was unable to hold onto their late lead, allowing the Twins to rally for three runs in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“We knew our bats would come alive eventually. Taj gave us a great chance to win, and we were able to capitalize in the end.”

— Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli

What’s next

The Twins will look to build on this comeback win as they return home to face the division-leading Chicago White Sox in a key early-season series.

The takeaway

The Twins' late-game heroics demonstrated the team's resilience and ability to overcome early deficits, a trait that could serve them well as they aim to contend in the AL Central race.