The A’s built a big lead with a three-run fourth inning, and the Twins couldn’t rally despite home runs from Brooks Lee and Ryan Jeffers.

After Tyler Soderstrom began the inning with an infield single, second baseman Luke Keaschall could not handle a rocket hit toward him, which took a hop and wound up in the outfield. The next batter reached when first baseman Kody Clemens dropped a throw from Royce Lewis. He was charged with an error.

The A’s started their two-city road trip with a victory over their AL Central rivals, beating the free-falling Minnesota Twins by a final of 6-3 that saw the A’s take the lead and never look back.

Now down 5-1, Brooks Lee smacked a homer to right center, a solo shot for his 13th round tripper of the year. In the 5th, Pierson Ohl took over for Ryan and tossed a scoreless inning, and stayed in the game until the 9th. Then in the bottom of that inning, Ryan Jeffers lined a solo homer to left, his 9th of the year.

August schedule with a sense of hope, but came away from Tuesday night's game with more of the same. Here's how the Twins continued their descent into badness.

The A’s are sixth in MLB in home runs, led by rookie Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and former Twin Brent Rooker.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said his players continue to compete despite the poor results. That includes the series opener against the Athletics, who pounced on ace right-hander Joe Ryan for five runs (two earned) in four innings.

The team will go with AL ROTY favorite Nick Kurtz at the top of the lineup to start the series. He’ll be followed by the usual suspects in the heart of the lineup. Lefty JJ Bleday draws the start with a right-handed pitcher going for the Twins. And rookies Brett Harris and Luis Urias round out the lineup at third and second base, respectively.