After Boston's David Ortiz slimmed the deficit to a run in the seventh, Miguel Sano provided an insurance solo shot over the Green Monster in the eighth. The Twins took an early 4-1 edge against David Price, but Boston moved in front with a five-spot in the second.
Ricky Nolasco was pounded for six hits and six runs over two innings, but Minnesota's bullpen picked him up and bought the offense time to get back into the game.
With the loss, the Red Sox fell 1 1/2 games behind the Orioles in the American League East.