The Big Guy Gets a Big Win
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bartolo Colon threw his first complete game in two years to earn his first win with Minnesota, Brian Dozier homered twice and the Twins beat the Texas Rangers 8-4 on Friday night.
Robbie Grossman homered and had three RBIs for the Twins, who won for just the third time in 11 games.
In his fourth start for Minnesota, the 44-year-old Colon (3-9) scattered nine hits and allowed four earned runs for his 37th career complete game and first since Sept. 5, 2015 with the New York Mets. He struck out five and walked one for his first win in nine starts since May 15 with Atlanta.
Only three times did Colon have to face five hitters in an inning, including the first when Adrian Beltre had a two-run single.
Elvis Andrus had three doubles and Carlos Gomez homered for the Rangers.
Texas starter Martin Perez (5-10) allowed seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, dropping to 0-4 with a 9.41 ERA in his last four starts.