MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Logan Allen delivered a masterful eight-inning performance and Steven Kwan drove in four runs as the Cleveland Guardians shut out the Minnesota Twins 8-0 in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at Target Field.

Allen was dominant, scattering four hits while striking out seven and walking one. He efficiently navigated the Twins’ lineup, needing just 77 pitches to get through his outing and lowering his season ERA. The left-hander improved his record to 8-11 with the victory, consistently working ahead in the count and inducing weak contact. The Twins grounded into two double plays behind him, snuffing out any potential rallies.

The game was a scoreless pitcher’s duel until the Guardians erupted for six runs in the decisive fifth inning against Twins starter Bailey Ober. The rally started with back-to-back singles from Brayan Rocchio and Petey Halpin. Austin Hedges moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, setting the stage for Kwan. The left fielder delivered a two-run single to center field, breaking the deadlock and giving Cleveland a 2-0 lead.

The Guardians were far from done. After a force out, José Ramírez kept the inning alive with a single. Kyle Manzardo followed with an RBI single to right, scoring Daniel Schneemann. Gabriel Arias then provided the big blow, a two-run double to deep center field that cleared the bases and extended the lead to 6-0. C.J. Kayfus capped the inning with an RBI single to center, plating Arias.

Ober took the loss for Minnesota, falling to 5-9. He was charged with all six runs in the fifth inning, finishing his day having allowed eight hits over five innings of work with one strikeout.

Cleveland added two insurance runs in the eighth inning against Twins reliever Mick Abel. Abel struggled with his command, walking three consecutive batters to load the bases with two outs. Kwan came through again, lining a two-run single to center field to bring the score to its final margin, 8-0.

Zak Kent pitched a perfect ninth inning for Cleveland, striking out two to seal the combined four-hit shutout.

The Guardians tallied nine hits in the game, with Kwan, Arias, and Kayfus combining for five RBIs. Arias went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, while Kayfus was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.

For the Twins, Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis each had a hit, with Lewis’s seventh-inning double representing one of Minnesota’s few threats against Allen.

The game was played in a brisk 2 hours and 12 minutes in front of an announced crowd of 23,242.

With the win, Cleveland improved to 84-71 on the season, continuing its strong late-season form. The loss dropped Minnesota to 66-89. The two teams were set to meet again immediately for the second game of the twin bill.

The result defied the pregame betting lines, which had installed Minnesota as a 1.5-run favorite. The combined score of 8 also went under the posted over/under line of 7.5. Interstat’s game simulator had projected an 8-4 Cleveland victory, while its ELO system gave the Guardians a 58.4% probability to win.