MINNEAPOLIS -- Given the talent on this Twins offense, it was only a matter of time before they would put up a crooked number again at some point. It sure helps to have
\n\nDespite adding Josh Donaldson to an already record-setting offense during the offseason, the Twins entered Tuesday’s game having scored 15 runs over their last five games with a .723 team OPS -- just above league average. That doesn’t have much to do with Cruz, who is not only hitting .395/.435/.674 with a 1.109 OPS, but also leads the Majors with 15 RBIs.\n\nAfter knocking three hits and driving in a pair in Monday’s series opener, Cruz continued with singles in his first three at-bats in Tuesday’s contest, contributing to a trio of run-scoring rallies. He singled and scored in the first as part of a three-run rally, knocked an RBI hit in the second and singled to load the bases in the fourth before
\n\n \n\nAll told, Cruz was 5-for-6 with runners on base and 4-for-4 with runners in scoring position in the past two games against the Pirates, including his walk-off single on Monday night. He’s also 9-for-12 with runners in scoring position to open his 2020 campaign.\n\nThat situational hitting is no coincidence. Cruz draws upon his extensive experience to simplify his plate approach based on the game situation, which could explain why much of his production with men on base has come via the humble single. Nine of his 14 hits in such scenarios have come via one-baggers, with three doubles and a pair of homers mixed in.\n\n“I’m not the fastest guy on the team, so I guess my job is, when I find runners on base, try to drive them in,” Cruz said. “My approach, I guess, changes. Instead of trying to hit the long ball or crush baseballs, I try to be more simple and go with the pitch.”
\n\nThe veteran led the charge as every member of the Twins’ lineup reached base at least once in a well-rounded attack against a wild Pirates pitching staff, which issued eight walks in the game. That was more than enough to support a strong outing from Opening Day starter