Big eighth inning key to Twins' series-winning victory over Rangers

The Minnesota Twins rallied for three runs in the eighth inning that proved to be enough as they won their third consecutive game against the Texas Rangers, 5-2.

Willi Castro had a two-run single that turned into three runs scoring after the Rangers committed a throwing error at Globe Life Field in Texas.

Twins rookie right-hander David Festa pitched five solid innings, giving up six hits, two runs, walking none and striking out six.

However, it was rookie Ronny Henriquez who picked up his first Major League victory in relief, pitching two shutout innings while giving up two hits and striking out one.

The 24-year-old right-hander joined the team when the Twins sent Louie Varland back to Triple-A and placed Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list earlier this week.

Related: Twins place Byron Buxton on injured list; recall Edouard Julien from St. Paul

Henriquez and Minnesota's bullpen was solid again, going four innings while allowing two hits, no runs and striking out three. Jorge Alcala and Cole Sands finished off the game in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.

Trevor Larnach also hit his 12th home run of the season in the fourth inning off Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi. It tied the game at one before the Rangers regained a 2-1 lead.

Minnesota is now 5-1 against the World Series champions this season.

The Cleveland Guardians lost and the Kansas City Royals won Saturday night. That means the Twins are now two games back of the Guardians for first place in the AL Central and the Royals are four games back and two games back of the Twins. Minnesota holds a two-game advantage over the Royals for the final AL Wild Card spot as well.

The two teams will go at it again Sunday afternoon as the Twins look for the four-game sweep. Twins starter Pablo López (11-8, 4.67 ERA) will take the mound against Rangers right-hander Tyler Mahle (0-1, 2.79 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. CT.