The Twins jumped out to a big lead and hung on to beat the Orioles 8-3 Tuesday night at Target Field. Minnesota improves to 45-39, 4.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals for first place in the American League Central.

The Twins scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, beginning with an RBI double by Trevor Plouffe. Miguel Sano followed with a home run to left field, the first of his career, to make the score 3-0.

Minnesota added another run in the bottom of the third inning on a wild pitch, then added four more runs in the bottom of the fourth to take an 8-0 lead.

Sano finished the game 2-3 with three runs batted in, and Joe Mauer continued a recent tear by going 2-4 with three runs scored.

Kyle Gibson picked up the win for the Twins, lasting six innings and allowing two runs on six hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.

The Twins host the Orioles again on Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 PM, with pregame coverage on AM 1240 WJON beginning at 11:30 AM.

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