Pitcher in big-league debut helps Minnesota halt skid
Fernando Romero’s major-league debut for the Twins carried the extra weight of a Minnesota team that won only once in its previous 12 games.
No pressure, kid. Well, he sure didn’t appear to feel any.
Romero kept visiting Toronto scoreless while pitching into the sixth inning, giving the Twins a badly needed boost in a 4-0 victory Wednesday.
“I can be here. I feel comfortable. I’ve got no excuses. I’m ready to work. I’m ready to compete,” Romero said, dismissing questions about first-start jitters.
Eddie Rosario homered for the Twins. Romero was a big reason why Minnesota prevailed, striking out five in 52⁄3 innings. He gave up four hits and three walks. Four relievers preserved the shutout.
With a fastball clocking in at 95 mph or higher, Romero deftly worked out of two-on, one-out situations in the second, fourth and fifth innings.
“His stuff is alive,” manager Paul Molitor said, “and he made a lot of hitters uncomfortable.”
Marcus Stroman (0-4) had his best performance in six turns for the Blue Jays this season, his longest appearance and his first with fewer than four runs allowed. The right-hander gave up six hits, two runs and one walk in seven innings. He struck out five.
“My stuff is getting better and better with each start,” Stroman said. “I know my work ethic. I know that I’m a horse. I know I’m going to get stronger and stronger as the year progresses.” Cardinals Carlos major-league threw 71⁄3 Martinez effective 3, White home hit innings his run Sox first and 2: for host St. Louis. Dexter Fowler added a two-run homer for the Cardinals, who won their second game in a row. Tigers 3, Rays 2: JaCoby Jones led off the 12th inning with a triple and scored on John Hicks’ bunt single, lifting host Detroit to the victory. Dodgers Verdugo twice, ended streak and and a four-game doubled 2, visiting won D’backs after and Los losing eight 1: scored Angeles Alex consecutive losses at Chase regular-season Field. Red Sox 5, Royals 4: Mookie Betts, 25, belted three solo homers and J.D. Martinez also went deep, powering host Boston past Kansas City. It was Betts’ fourth three-homer game, snapping a tie with Hall of Famer Ted Williams for most in franchise history. Braves 7, Mets 0: Visiting Atlanta broke out against New York’s bullpen after the early departure of Jacob deGrom to back Sean Newcomb (2-1), who pitched seven innings of two-hit ball. Indians 12, Rangers 4: Edwin Encarnacion homered three times and drove in six runs, helping host Cleveland to the rout. The designated hitter leads the team with nine homers despite batting .191. Brewers 3, Reds 1: Christian Yelich homered, Wade Miley pitched six effective innings in his debut for visiting Milwaukee, and the Brewers swept sloppy Cincinnati, which committed three errors. Rockies 11, Cubs 2: Nolan Arenado hit two of visiting Colorado’s four homers and drove in five runs. Tyler Anderson pitched a season-high seven innings after leaving his previous start because of lightheadedness. Nationals 9, Pirates 3: Bryce Harper hit a leadoff homer and drove in three runs, Stephen Strasburg struck out 11 and host Washington earned its fourth straight win. Yankees 4, Astros 0: Luis Severino pitched a five-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts for his first career complete game, Giancarlo Stanton homered twice and had four RBIs, and visiting New York beat Houston for a second straight night. Phillies 6, Marlins 0: Aaron Nola allowed four hits in 71⁄3 innings as visiting Philadelphia ended a four-game slide. Nola struck out seven and retired 17 straight batters at one point. Angels 10, Orioles 7: Host Los Angeles hit four home runs, one by Albert Pujols, who also doubled to give him 2,998 career hits. Baltimore rallied with five runs in the ninth inning. Mike Trout, Justin Upton (four RBIs) and Martin Maldonado (three hits) also homered for the Angels.