MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Rangers right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1) recorded just two outs in his second start of the season and Minnesota’s Max Kepler homered twice as the Twins pounded Texas 17-5 on Saturday.
Gonzalez walked two batters and gave up two hits in Minnesota’s four-run first and was hurt by poor defense, with misplays on three consecutive batters extending the inning.
Eduardo Nunez had four hits for the Twins, who scored at least three runs in four of the first five innings. Kepler’s second home run of the day capped a six-run fifth inning and gave the Twins a 17-4 lead. Kepler set a Twins rookie record by driving in seven runs.