MINNEAPOLIS — Edouard Julien returned to the leadoff spot and hit a home run, knocked in two runs and scored twice to lead Minnesota to a 7-1 win over the San Francisco Giants Wednesday, ending the Twins' three-game losing streak.
Joe Ryan gave up six hits, struck out four and allowed a run in five innings in picking up his seventh win in eight decisions. Four relievers finished up on a day San Francisco left 15 runners on base and went 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position.
Ryan, a diehard Giants fan while growing up in Marin County, California, came into the game the American League’s No. 4 pitcher in ERA. He pitched fewer than six innings for the first time this season.
Julien went 1 for 3 as a slew of injuries forced manager Rocco Baldelli to juggle his lineup more than normal. The latest change saw Julien bat leadoff for the first time since April 16.
Three of the Twins' seven runs yielded by Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani (3-4) in five innings were unearned. The 33-year-old right-hander was the victim of three errors and hit a batter who came around to score.
Julien gave the Twins a 1-0 lead on DeSclafani’s second pitch — the first leadoff home run of his career. He added a second-inning sacrifice fly that made it 3-1.
A hit batter, pair of fielding gaffes and aggressive Twins base running helped Minnesota open up a 5-1 advantage in the third inning.
Kyle Farmer reached on a fielding error by shortstop Brandon Crawford, then scored when a ball off Matt Wallner’s bat found its way through second baseman Brett Wisely’s legs. Willi Castro, who had been hit by a pitch, teamed up with Wallner to execute a double steal that brought Castro home.
In the sixth, San Francisco loaded the bases against reliever Brock Stewart. But Stewart came back to retire the next two batters he faced, and Michael Conforto grounded out to second against Jovani Moran.
Stewart, Moran, José De León and Jhoan Duran combined for four innings of scoreless relief in handing the Giants their first loss in four games.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Giants: Manager Gabe Kapler said Austin Slater could return from the injured list in the next 3-4 days. The Giants are considering a rehab assignment for the 30-year-old outfielder, who has made just six starts this season due to a pair of left hamstring injuries.
Twins: Joey Gallo is expected to miss at least a few days after injuring his hamstring Tuesday. Carlos Correa missed his second straight game with a bruised left heel.
UP NEXT
Both teams are off Thursday.
San Francisco heads to Milwaukee for a four-game series. The Giants have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Friday.
Minnesota hosts Toronto for a three-game series, starting Friday. RHP Louie Varland (2-0, 4.18 ERA) is expected to start for the Twins Friday at Target Field.
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