Espinal's 3-run 9th-inning blast not enough as Jays fall to Twins

A Santiago Espinal three-run ninth-inning blast to go with earlier solo shots from George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Matt Chapman fell short in the Toronto Blue Jays' 8-6 rubber-match loss to the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Espinal's one-out homer gave the Blue Jays (31-22) their 22nd round-tripper in their last 11 games. But four batters later, Bo Bichette grounded out to third to end the game, leaving runners on first and third.

Minnesota leadoff hitter Luis Arraez belted four singles to lead the Twins' 16-hit attack as Minnesota won two of three games.

Making his fifth start this season, Smeltzer (3-0) gave up two homers but only four hits. To end the first and to begin the third inning, he got six ground-ball outs, including a double play to escape the first inning.

The American League Central-leading Twins (32-24) roughed up Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman (5-4) in the first two innings.

No quit in this team