Roden’s 2-RBI single, and Rojas’ strong start on short notice help Twins top Athletics 2-0

By TYLER MASON Associated Press July 25, 2026 - 7:20 pm MINNEAPOLIS — Alan Roden delivered a two‑run single that ended Minnesota’s scoreless streak at 14 2/3 innings, lifting the Twins to a 2‑0 victory over the Athletics on Saturday night. The Twins had gone hitless in 25 of their previous 27 innings before Roden drove in a run in the bottom of the sixth off Oakland reliever Mason Barnett. Minnesota had been shut out in Friday’s opener and managed only two runs across Thursday’s game in Cleveland. Left‑hander Kendry Rojas stepped into the starting role after scheduled starter Mike Paredes was scratched with a left oblique strain suffered during warmups. Rojas worked four solid innings, striking out five and allowing just one hit. Taylor Rogers (6‑3) tossed two scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. Yoendrys Gómez recorded his 13th save of the season and his 12th with the Twins. Barnett (1‑1) absorbed the loss for Oakland. Nick Kurtz returned to the Athletics’ lineup Saturday after a stint on the injured list with a right thumb strain. He struggled in his return as the designated hitter, striking out four times. Oakland’s best offensive opportunity arrived in the top of the eighth when the first two batters reached base against Twins reliever Andrew Morris. Morris responded by striking out Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom, then inducing Jonah Heim to ground out to end the threat. The Athletics are set to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028, where they will open play in a new ballpark under construction on the Strip. Looking ahead, Athletics left‑hander Jeffrey Springs (3‑8, 5.96 ERA) seeks his first victory since April 14. Minnesota has not announced a starter, but Connor Prielipp (2‑5, 5.00) is expected to be activated from the injured list and take the mound.