Watch: Twins' Max Kepler launches solo blast against Red Sox

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Twins' Max Kepler breaks tie with solo blast against Red Sox

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 5/4/24

The Twins' bats are staying hot.

Right fielder Max Kepler's solo fourth-inning home run against the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon gave Minnesota a 2-1 lead as it seeks a 12th consecutive victory.

MAX KEPLER SAYS SEE YA #MNTWINS // WEBELIEVEINTC pic.twitter.com/8L0MXPicag
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) May 4, 2024

The Twins began the year 7-13, largely due to their struggling offense. During the first month of the season, Minnesota hitters had a .195 batting average, the league's second-worst mark at the plate.

According to data from FanGraphs, the Twins now lead the majors with a .313 team batting average over their last 11 games. Their 15 home runs during that span are the fourth most in baseball, trailing only the Yankees (19), Orioles (16) and Athletics (16).

The team's uptick in production has coincided with Kepler's return to the lineup. He struggled in the Twins' first five games, batting .050 with one hit in 20 at-bats, and was forced to the injured list on April 9 due to a right knee contusion.

He returned on April 22 and has appeared in 10 of Minnesota's last 11 games. During that stretch, he has a .387 batting average with five walks and only three strikeouts.

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