MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Slade Cecconi delivered a dominant seven-inning performance and the Cleveland Guardians’ offense provided an early power display, cruising to a 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the first game of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday at Target Field.

Cecconi, the winning pitcher, was nearly untouchable, scattering just two hits while striking out eight and walking none. He efficiently shut down a Twins lineup that mustered only three hits all afternoon. Kolby Allard finished the combined shutout with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out two.

The Guardians’ bats wasted no time, jumping on Twins starter Joe Ryan in the first inning. After two quick outs, José Ramírez launched a solo home run, his 30th of the season, to right field to give Cleveland an immediate lead.

The power surge continued in the second inning. Bo Naylor led off the frame by crushing a solo shot to right-center field. Two batters later, George Valera connected for his first major league home run, a solo blast to right that extended the Guardians’ advantage to 3-0 and chased Ryan from the game early.

Cleveland added two more runs in the fifth inning off Twins reliever Thomas Hatch. Daniel Schneemann led off with a solo homer to right field, his 12th of the year. Brayan Rocchio followed with a double and later advanced to third on a Steven Kwan single. A walk to Angel Martínez loaded the bases, but Hatch limited the damage by inducing two flyouts to escape the jam.

Naylor provided the final run with his second homer of the game, a solo shot in the eighth inning off Hatch. The catcher finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Ryan took the loss for Minnesota, dropping to 13-9. He was charged with four runs on six hits over five innings, striking out five. Hatch pitched four innings in relief, allowing one run on four hits.

The Twins’ offense never threatened. They grounded into two double plays, and Cecconi’s command prevented any sustained rallies. Austin Martin had two of Minnesota’s three hits, including a double.

The game was played in a brisk 2 hours and 8 minutes in front of an afternoon crowd of 22,160.

With the win, Cleveland improved to 84-71 on the season, while Minnesota fell to 66-89. The two teams were set to meet again hours later to complete the doubleheader.