Red Sox Defeat Twins 7-2 in Season Opener
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:05 PM ET · Lee Health Sports Complex
Boston Red Sox 7, Minnesota Twins 2, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins?
Boston Red Sox beat Minnesota Twins 7-2 at Lee Health Sports Complex on February 21, 2026.
The Boston Red Sox secured a convincing 7-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins at the Lee Health Sports Complex, marking their second win in a row and extending their lead in the series to 2-0. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Red Sox's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while the Twins struggled to maintain momentum after a disappointing start to the season.
The Twins entered the game with a home record of 0-1 and a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, suffering a one-game losing streak. They averaged 4.2 runs scored and allowed 3.8 runs during this stretch, but their last five games saw a dip in performance, with an average of 2.6 runs scored and 2.0 runs allowed. In contrast, the Red Sox boasted a 1-0 record on the road and had a more favorable recent form of 6-4, including a one-game winning streak. They averaged 4.4 runs scored and 3.8 runs allowed in their last ten games, demonstrating a more consistent offensive output.
The game began with an early spark from the Twins as R. Lewis homered to left center in the first inning, giving them a 1-0 lead. However, the Red Sox quickly responded, with Monasterio hitting a home run in the fifth inning to narrow the gap to 2-1. The turning point came in the seventh inning when the Red Sox scored four runs, taking control of the game. Romero's single brought in two runs, and further contributions from Castro and Gasper solidified their lead.
In terms of home and away performance, the Twins have struggled at home, with a record of 2-3, while the Red Sox have fared better on the road with a 4-2 record. This game highlighted the Twins' ongoing challenges at home, where they have not been able to convert their scoring opportunities into wins.
Injuries have also played a significant role in the Twins' performance. They were without key players including Byron Buxton (10-Day IL, hip), Joe Ryan (15-Day IL, lower body), and Austin Martin (10-Day IL, hamstring). The Red Sox, while also dealing with injuries, had players like Ceddanne Rafaela and Adley Rutschman listed as day-to-day, which may have affected their lineup decisions.
The market had priced the Red Sox as favorites for this game, reflecting their stronger recent form and the Twins' injury woes. The odds were attributed to the provider, indicating a clear expectation of a Red Sox victory based on their performance trends.
Weather conditions during the game were favorable for baseball, contributing to a competitive atmosphere. Fans were treated to a mix of strong pitching and timely hitting, with the Red Sox capitalizing on key moments to secure their win.
As the game progressed, viewers should have noted the Red Sox's ability to adjust after an early deficit, showcasing their resilience and depth in the lineup. The Twins, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their scoring issues as they look to bounce back in their next matchup.
Injury report
- Byron Buxton10-Day-ILHipMinnesota Twins
- Joe Ryan15-Day-ILLower BodyMinnesota Twins
- Austin Martin10-Day-ILHamstringMinnesota Twins
- Mike Paredes60-Day-ILObliqueMinnesota Twins
- Mick Abel60-Day-ILElbowMinnesota Twins
- Ceddanne RafaelaDay-To-DayQuadricepsBoston Red Sox
- Adley RutschmanDay-To-DayElbowBoston Red Sox
- Johan Oviedo60-Day-ILElbowBoston Red Sox
- Kutter Crawford60-Day-ILForearmBoston Red Sox
- Zack Kelly60-Day-ILElbowBoston Red Sox
Recent form
Minnesota Twins
Last 10: 4-6Streak L14.2 scored · 3.8 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L1-2at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 28
- W5-0at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 27
- L1-3at Philadelphia PhilliesSep 26
- L2-4at Texas RangersSep 25
- W4-1at Texas RangersSep 24
- W6-2vs Cleveland GuardiansSep 21
- L2-6vs Cleveland GuardiansSep 20
- L5-10vs New York YankeesSep 17
- L9-10vs New York YankeesSep 16
- W7-0vs New York YankeesSep 15
Boston Red Sox
Last 10: 6-4Streak W14.4 scored · 3.8 allowed per game4-2 away
- W4-3vs Detroit TigersSep 28
- L1-2vs Detroit TigersSep 27
- W4-3vs Detroit TigersSep 26
- L1-6at Toronto Blue JaysSep 25
- W7-1at Toronto Blue JaysSep 24
- W4-1at Toronto Blue JaysSep 23
- L3-7at Tampa Bay RaysSep 21
- W6-3at Tampa Bay RaysSep 20
- W11-7at Tampa Bay RaysSep 19
- L3-5vs AthleticsSep 18
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay | - | 56 | L1 | .597 | 83 |
| New York | 3.5 | 60 | W2 | .571 | 80 |
| Boston | 8.5 | 65 | L2 | .536 | 75 |
| Toronto | 14.5 | 71 | W1 | .493 | 69 |
| Baltimore | 14.5 | 71 | L2 | .493 | 69 |
| Chicago | - | 66 | L1 | .525 | 73 |
| Cleveland | 3 | 69 | L1 | .504 | 70 |
| Minnesota | 6.5 | 73 | L1 | .479 | 67 |
| Detroit | 9 | 75 | W1 | .460 | 64 |
| Kansas City | 11.5 | 78 | L3 | .443 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning0-1R. Lewis homered to left center (413 feet).
- 4th Inning0-2R. Lewis singled to left, Keaschall scored.
- 5th Inning1-2Monasterio homered to left (368 feet).
- 7th Inning3-2Romero singled to center, Thaiss scored and Campbell scored.
- 7th Inning4-2Castro grounded into fielder's choice to second, Ward scored.
- 9th Inning5-2Castro singled to center, Romero scored.
- 9th Inning6-2Gasper singled to right, Castro scored, Hickey to third.
- 9th Inning7-2Sogard lined out to shortstop, Hickey scored on throwing error by shortstop Culpepper, Gasper safe at second on error.
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Twins, below favours Boston Red Sox.
Venue
- Lee Health Sports ComplexFort Myers, Florida
- Attendance7638
- OfficialsClint Vondrak, Marvin Hudson, Brian O'Nora, Manny Gonzalez
Elsewhere
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