Brian Dozier got Minnesota started with a home run in the first inning and Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run shot in a six-run second as the Twins built an early 7-0 lead then held on for an 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.
The highlight for the Pirates came in the bottom of the Twins’ big second inning.
Pedro Alvarez hit a 461-foot home run that landed in a boat docked along the Allegheny River beyond the right-field stands. Alvarez became just the third player to reach the water on the fly since PNC Park opened in 2001
Ricky Nolasco (4-1) made it through 5 1-3 shaky innings to win his fourth straight start.
Francisco Liriano (1-4) gave up both home runs and was tagged for seven runs in just two innings while losing his third consecutive start.
