BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (Interstat) — Jason Alexander tossed six strong innings and Isaac Paredes homered in the first inning as the Houston Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Tuesday at Target Field.

Alexander allowed four hits, no earned runs and struck out four over six innings, improving to 1-0. Bryan Abreu earned his third save with a third of an inning of work. The Astros improved to 20-30, while the Twins fell to 22-27.

Paredes launched a two-run homer off Zebby Matthews in the top of the first, scoring Jeremy Peña. Matthews took the loss, allowing five hits and two earned runs in six innings while striking out six. He dropped to 1-1.

The Twins threatened in the eighth when Josh Bell singled to drive in Byron Buxton, cutting the lead to 2-1. But Houston’s bullpen held firm, with Steven Okert striking out three in a scoreless inning and Bryan King working a scoreless frame despite allowing two hits.

Minnesota outhit Houston 8-5 but stranded runners. The game drew 13,557 fans and lasted 2 hours, 17 minutes.