Bullpen gives up 3-run lead in loss

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Jax, Sands allow five runs in 8th inning, spoiling Paddack’s start

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, left, takes the ball from pitcher Griffin Jax (22) in the eighth inning of Friday’s loss to the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta. COLIN HUBBARD — ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Looking to build off two straight wins, the Twins were in perfect position in Atlanta on Friday after Chris Paddack’s second straight strong start.

Minnesota led 4-1 after Paddack’s five innings and went to a rested bullpen. Louis Varland and Danny Coulombe then each pitched a scoreless inning.

But Griffin Jax faltered in the eighth as the Twins lost 6-4 to the Braves in the series opener.

Jax (0-2) ended up surrendering four runs while allowing two hits and two walks and retiring just one batter.

After Jax walked Sean Murphy to load the bases, Cole Sands relieved Jax and allowed a two-run double to Michael Harris II. Pinch-hitter Drake Baldwin then followed with a two-run single.

The Braves had six straight batters reached base with one out, the first four coming after Jax struck out Austin Riley looking to open the frame.

Jax has now allowed seven runs over his last two appearances to raise his ERA to 11.25. He’s given up at least one run in four of his nine appearances this season.

Paddack gave up one run and three hits over five innings. He’s now allowed just two runs over his last two starts, covering 10 innings, after surrendering 12 in his first two starts.

Trevor Larnach hit a solo home run and Calos Correa had two hits and scored a run for the Twins, who fell to 7-13 on the season.

Luke Keaschall, recalled from Triple-A St. Paul earlier in the day, had two hits, an RBI and run scored in his MLB debut.

Ryan Jeffers opened the scoring with an RBI double in the second and then he scored on Keaschall’s first MLB plate appeance as the rookie dropped a single into right field.

Keaschall scored in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Edouard Julien.

The Braves (6-13) have been the National League equivalent to the Twins this season, with significant expections followed by a slow start.

Atlanta reliever Enyel De Los Santos (1-0) earned the win with 1 2/3 innings of relief, and Raisel Iglesias pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.

Jarred Kelenic homered and Ozzie Albies had two hits and drove in a run for the Braves.

Atlanta starter Bryce Elder gave up four runs in five innings.

Up Next

Twins RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (1-1, 4.30) will face Braves LHP Chris Sale (0-2, 6.63 ERA) on Saturday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.