Minnesota Twins at Chicago Cubs

Luke Keaschall seemingly never stopped running Friday night. The youngster saw an opportunity, created his own lane and, in one split-second decision, turned what looked like a routine double play into the play that changed the game. Keaschall’s baseball instincts ignited a four-run third inning Friday night at Wrigley Field, helping the Twins erase an early deficit and open the second half with a 5-2 victory over the Cubs. It was the kind of play that won’t show up in the box score, but inside Minnesota’s clubhouse, it was viewed as the turning point. “That’s huge baserunning execution by Keash,” catcher Ryan Jeffers said. “As far as baseball-type plays that go under the radar, but are huge in that moment.” The Twins entered the break having won eight of their previous nine series, but with just over two weeks remaining before the Trade Deadline, they also understand every game carries added weight. Friday’s win pushed Minnesota back to .500 (49-49) for the first time since April 22, when the club sat at 12-12. More importantly, it was another example of the identity the Twins believe has fueled their climb back into the American League postseason race.