MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Slade Cecconi dominated over seven shutout innings and the Cleveland Guardians launched four home runs to blank the Minnesota Twins 6-0 on Saturday afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader at Target Field.

Cecconi (7-6) was masterful, holding the Twins to just two hits while striking out eight and walking none. The right-hander faced the minimum through four innings and never allowed a runner to reach third base, efficiently navigating the Twins’ lineup on 88 pitches to lower his ERA.

The Guardians’ offense provided more than enough support, staking Cecconi to an early lead and never looking back. José Ramírez ignited the power display in the first inning, lining a solo home run to right field off Twins starter Joe Ryan for his 30th of the season.

Cleveland doubled its lead in the second inning with a pair of solo shots. Bo Naylor connected first, sending a fly ball into right-center field for his 13th homer. Two batters later, George Valera followed with his first major league home run, a blast to right field that made it 3-0 and chased Ryan from the game early.

The long-ball attack continued in the fifth against Twins reliever Thomas Hatch. Daniel Schneemann led off the frame with his 12th homer of the year, a fly ball to right field. Brayan Rocchio then doubled and advanced to third on a Steven Kwan single, but Hatch limited the damage by getting José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo to fly out, stranding two runners.

Naylor capped the scoring with his second homer of the game in the eighth inning, a solo shot to right off Hatch for his 14th of the season. Naylor finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Joe Ryan (13-9) took the loss for Minnesota, lasting just five innings while surrendering four runs on six hits, including three home runs. He struck out five. Hatch provided four innings of long relief, allowing two runs on four hits.

The Twins’ offense was stifled all afternoon, managing only three hits against three Cleveland pitchers. Austin Martin had two of those hits, including a double in the ninth inning. Kolby Allard finished the game for Cleveland with two scoreless innings of relief, preserving the combined shutout.

Minnesota grounded into two double plays, squandering any potential momentum. Cleveland also hit into two double plays.

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

With the victory, Cleveland improved to 84-71 on the season, while Minnesota fell to 66-89. The two teams were set to meet again immediately for the second game of the twin bill.