(Houston, TX) — The Minnesota Twins got five impressive innings from starting and winning pitcher Taj Bradley and beat the Astros in Houston last night 8-3. Bradley struck out 11 Houston hitters over his five innings of work, walking three and allowing only four hits. He improved to 7-3 on the season. Twins designated hitter Josh Bell got things started with a tape-measure two-run home run in the first inning, giving Bradley an early 2-0 lead. Second baseman Kody Clemens added a three-run shot in the second inning, and Minnesota never looked back. Luke Keaschall hit a solo homer in the eighth inning. The Twins improved to 42-46 and sit in third place in the A-L Central. Minnesota is two-and-a-half games back for the final A-L Wild Card spot. The Astros fell to 43-46. The Twins are off tonight and open a three-game series at Yankee Stadium tomorrow night.
