Minnesota Twins 2, Pittsburgh Pirates 1: Joe Ryan Outduels Paul Skenes as Trevor Larnach Homer Hands Bucs 7th Straight Loss

Friday, July 11th, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — Trevor Larnach hit a two-run homer and Joe Ryan outpitched Paul Skenes as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Friday night at Target Field. The loss extended the Pirates' losing streak to seven games.

Game Summary

The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when Pittsburgh took a 1-0 lead. Spencer Horwitz singled and later scored on a two-out double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Minnesota responded in the bottom of the fourth. Byron Buxton beat out a grounder to third to lead off the inning. One out later, Trevor Larnach connected for his 13th home run of the season, a two-run shot, putting the Twins ahead 2-1.

The Pirates threatened in the ninth when Horwitz singled with one out and pinch runner Jac Suwinski stole second to get into scoring position. However, Twins closer Jhoan Duran struck out both Adam Frazier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa swinging to secure the win.

Pitching Matchup

Joe Ryan earned the win for the Twins, improving his record to 9-4. He allowed one run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts over five innings. Ryan threw 54 of 86 pitches for strikes and has now surrendered two runs or fewer in 14 of his 18 starts this season. The Twins bullpen used five relievers to finish the game, with Jhoan Duran recording his 15th save in 17 opportunities.

Paul Skenes took the loss for the Pirates, dropping his record to 4-8. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out six over five innings. Skenes fanned Matt Wallner looking to end the fourth inning for his 300th career strikeout. He struck out the side in order on just 12 pitches in the first inning. Skenes threw 53 of 78 pitches for strikes and remains winless in his last eight starts dating back to May 28, despite allowing two runs or fewer in 17 of his 20 outings.

Both Ryan and Skenes had their starts moved up to make them available to pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Key Moments

Twins shortstop Carlos Correa was helped off the field in the seventh inning after a collision at second base with Pirates player Tommie Pham.

Key Stat

Paul Skenes became the 17th pitcher in MLB history and the first Pittsburgh Pirate to reach 300 career strikeouts within his first 43 starts.

Up Next

The Minnesota Twins have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Saturday's game. The Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to start right-hander Mike Burrows (1-2, 3.63 ERA).

In summary

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on July 11, 2025, at Target Field. Joe Ryan earned the win, outdueling Paul Skenes. Trevor Larnach hit the decisive two-run home run in the fourth inning. The Pirates took an early lead in the fourth, but couldn't hold on, extending their losing streak. Jhoan Duran recorded the save for the Twins. The game also featured significant pitching milestones for Skenes and an injury scare for Twins shortstop Carlos Correa. The series continues Saturday with the Pirates starting Mike Burrows.

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