Edouard Julien played hero for the Minnesota Twins by hitting his fifth home run of the season in his team’s 8-4 win over one of the major leagues’ worst teams, the Kansas City Royals, Monday night at Target Field in Minneapolis.
With the Quebecer off the starting lineup, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli called in his services in the eighth inning to replace second baseman Kyle Farmer.
When the game was a tie, the Quebec native agreed with his coach to bring him into the game. The 25-year-old threw Royals substitute Taylor Clarke’s fastball 413 feet from home and gave his team the lead.
That solo slap set the stage for a five-point offensive drive by the Minnesota team in the eighth inning. Michael A. Taylor, Max Kepler, Carlos Correa and Alex Kirilloff also got their hands dirty and scored a point each.
Julien had a chance to make his second plate appearance in the eighth game, but was knocked out after hitting a groundball into the infield.
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa played well, making four saves.
With that win, Minnesota just took the lead in the American League Central Division and is currently playing at .500. However, the team has a narrow one-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians.
Ronald Acuna Jr. makes history
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. stood out in his team’s 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians Monday night at progressive field.
In his 84th game, the 25-year-old landed a hit and stole his 40th base of the season. He’s also saved 21 long balls since the start of the season.
The Venezuelan became the fastest player in major league history to hit 20 homers and 40 stolen bases in a season.
His teammate Michael Harris II also distinguished himself during the duel by hitting two solo bombs.