Overview

• Simeon Woods Richardson delivered five scoreless innings in Tuesday’s opener to set the tone for the 8-1 win.
• Minnesota erupted for six runs in the eighth inning on solo homers by Ryan Jeffers, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader.
• All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton opened the scoring with a leadoff double before leaving with a hand injury that X-rays confirmed as non-fracturing and day-to-day status.
• Cubs reliever Porter Hodge allowed all six eighth-inning runs while recording just one out, raising fresh bullpen concerns.
• Game Two on Wednesday pits Twins right-hander David Festa against Cubs rookie Cade Horton as Minnesota seeks to extend its series lead and bolster its wild-card push.