MINNEAPOLIS — Alec Bohm delivered one of the best offensive performances of his season, collecting five hits as the Philadelphia Phillies rolled past the Minnesota Twins 9-1 on Saturday night.
While Bohm provided the offensive spark, Jesús Luzardo once again showed why he has become one of the most dependable arms in Philadelphia’s rotation. The left-hander worked 6 2/3 dominant innings, striking out nine and allowing only one run while helping the Phillies secure a convincing victory.
Luzardo improved to 11-5 on the season and continued a remarkable stretch of consistency. The first-time All-Star has now allowed two or fewer earned runs in 15 of his last 17 starts dating back to late April, further strengthening his case as one of the Phillies’ most important players during the second half of the season.
Bohm was nearly unstoppable at the plate, repeatedly finding ways to reach base and keep Philadelphia’s offense moving. His five-hit performance highlighted a lineup that eventually overwhelmed Minnesota pitching and turned a competitive game into a runaway victory.
The Phillies initially had an opportunity to break the game open in the second inning when they loaded the bases with nobody out. However, Twins starter Connor Prielipp managed to limit the damage, allowing only one run when J.T. Realmuto lifted a sacrifice fly.
Philadelphia’s pitching and defense then kept Minnesota from answering.
The Twins appeared to have a chance to get on the scoreboard in the fourth inning when Luke Keaschall singled with two outs. Brooks Lee followed with a single to center, and Keaschall attempted to score. He initially appeared to beat the relay throw from Luis Arráez and slide safely across home plate.
The Phillies, however, challenged the call, and the decision was overturned, keeping Minnesota off the scoreboard and preserving Philadelphia’s advantage.
That defensive play proved important because the Phillies soon turned the game into a rout.
Philadelphia exploded for seven runs in the fifth inning, with every run coming with two outs. Realmuto started the rally with a single, but Prielipp appeared to regain control after retiring the next two batters.
Then everything unraveled.
Prielipp walked three consecutive hitters, forcing home a run and extending Philadelphia’s lead to 2-0. Bohm followed with a run-scoring single, continuing his outstanding night at the plate.
