Joe Ryan pitching for Minnesota Twins against New York Yankees August 13 2025

Twins Beat Yankees 4-1: Joe Ryan Ends Nine-Game Losing Streak | Homer Hankies

August 14, 20253 min read

NEW YORK — The Minnesota Twins finally broke through against their longtime tormentors, defeating the New York Yankees 4-1 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium to snap a brutal nine-game losing streak to New York that dated back over two years.

Joe Ryan's Masterful Outing Leads Twins Victory

Joe Ryan delivered exactly what the Twins needed, allowing just one run on four hits over 6⅔ innings while striking out seven batters. The right-hander improved to 12-5 on the season, showcasing the kind of dominant performance that has made him Minnesota's most reliable starter.

Ryan's outing was a masterclass in efficiency and control. He walked just two batters while keeping Yankees hitters off balance throughout his 105-pitch performance. The 28-year-old struck out the side in one inning and consistently worked ahead in the count, never allowing New York to mount any sustained offensive pressure.

Twins Offense Breaks Through with Timely Hitting

Fourth Inning Breakthrough

The Twins struck first in the fourth inning when Luke Keaschall delivered a clutch RBI groundout to second base, scoring Trevor Larnach and moving Byron Buxton to third base. The sequence began with solid at-bats that put runners in scoring position, setting up Keaschall's productive out.

Sixth Inning Explosion Seals Victory

Minnesota broke the game open in the sixth inning with a three-run rally that effectively ended any Yankees comeback hopes. The big blow came from Kody Clemens, who ripped a two-RBI double to center field, scoring both Keaschall and Buxton to extend the Twins' lead to 4-1.

The sixth-inning rally showcased the Twins' improved approach at the plate, working counts and capitalizing on scoring opportunities that have been elusive during their recent struggles against New York.

Yankees Limited to Solo Home Run

The Yankees' only run came via a solo home run from Cody Bellinger, his 22nd of the season. The blast provided a brief spark for the home crowd of 44,466, but New York managed just four hits total against Ryan and the Twins bullpen.

Yankees starter struggled with command early, allowing the Twins to work deep counts and eventually break through with their patient offensive approach.

Justin Topa Closes Out Historic Victory

Justin Topa earned his second save of the season by pitching the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out one batter. The veteran right-hander provided exactly the kind of steady relief work the Twins needed to secure their first victory over the Yankees since May 2023.

Breaking the Yankees Curse

This victory marked the Twins' first win over New York in their last 10 meetings, ending a streak that had become a significant psychological hurdle for Minnesota. The nine-game losing streak to the Yankees was the longest active streak against any opponent for the Twins.

The win provides crucial momentum for a Twins team fighting to stay in the American League wild card race. Breaking through against a quality opponent like New York demonstrates the kind of character and resilience this team will need down the stretch.

Looking Ahead

With this statement victory, the Twins have shown they can compete with the best teams in the American League when their pitching and offense click simultaneously. Ryan's continued excellence gives Minnesota a reliable anchor in their rotation, while the offensive contributions from multiple players suggest this team has the depth to make a playoff push.

The series finale provides an opportunity for the Twins to win their first series against the Yankees since 2019, which would represent a significant step forward for this franchise's confidence against elite competition.


Box Score Summary

  • Final Score: Twins 4, Yankees 1

  • Attendance: 44,466 at Yankee Stadium

  • Game Time: 2:44

  • Winning Pitcher: Joe Ryan (12-5)

  • Losing Pitcher: Yankees starter

  • Save: Justin Topa (2)


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