Josh Bell has early 2-run double and Twins bullpen makes lead hold up for 4-2 win over Braves

Josh Bell's early two-run double ignited a four-run first inning, propelling the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. The first six batters faced Atlanta starter Martín Pérez (8-7) and all reached, with the first four members of the order scoring. Bell's ground-rule double in right field marked his two hits for Minnesota, which also included RBI single from Royce Lewis.

Kody Clemens added another RBI single, contributing to a collective two-hit performance for the Twins. Pérez lasted just 4 1/3 innings, surrendering five runs while allowing nine hits and two walks. The bullpen solidified the lead, with Taylor Rogers shutting down left-handed batters Matt Olson and Michael Harris II to complete the inning.

Travis Adams pitched two perfect innings, striking out three. Jeff Hoffman allowed two runners in the eighth inning, but Clemens' diving stop on a hard grounder by Harris broke up the potential scoring opportunity. Despite Pérez's stellar start, which marked his 18th consecutive scoreless outing, the Twins held on for the win. The game began 51 minutes late, but no rain interrupted play.

In the coming days, Minnesota will send right-hander Zebby Matthews (6-8, 5.34 ERA) to the mound, while Atlanta will field RHP Tyler Mahle (4-9, 4.64), a trade-deadline acquisition from San Francisco.