Sano crushes first Major League home run
Top prospect launches two-run shot in victory over Orioles
MINNEAPOLIS -- With the way top prospect Miguel Sano has been swinging the bat since being called up by the Twins, it was only a matter of time before he connected on his first Major League homer.
Sano, known for his prodigious power in the Minor Leagues, crushed a two-run homer off Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman in the first inning for his first career blast in Tuesday's 8-3 win at Target Field. It also gave Sano a hit in all six games he's played since being called up from Double-A Chattanooga. The ball came off his bat at 108 mph and traveled 396 feet, according to Statcast™ data. He finished the night going 2-for-3 with a bases-loaded walk and three RBIs.
"I think we were all waiting to see the power after all the hard line drives he's hit," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He got a hold of him and that was good to see. But I think we're also encouraged by the walks he's been taking."
Video: BAL@MIN: Sano excited after hitting first ML home run
Sano, ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect by MLB.com, has served exclusively as designated hitter in six games, but could see his first start at third base on Wednesday. Sano's homer came just two pitches after he smacked a ball down the left-field line that had enough distance for a homer, but went foul. But Sano didn't miss a 1-1 fastball from Gausman and deposited into the left-field bleachers. He was given the ball by Molitor after the game and celebrated with his teammates, who initially gave him the silent treatment as he walked back to the dugout after his homer.
"I was really happy about that for my first home run in the big leagues," Sano said. "The manager gave me the ball and everybody in here was dancing and playing around with me."
Sano was brought up to help spark Minnesota's offense, and has done just that, as he's hitting .450/.542/.700 with a homer, two doubles, five RBIs and four walks in his first six games.
"Every at-bat, I don't try to do too much," Sano said. "If I try to do too much, I pull the ball on the ground or have too many strikeouts. So I just try to hit the ball and put it in play."