Braxton Ashcraft struck out eleven Twins over six superb innings, while Ryan O'Hearn and Nick Gonzales homered as the Pirates swept the Twins in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBRGH — Braxton Ashcraft struck out 11 in six innings, Ryan O’Hearn and Nick Gonzales homered, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the skidding Minnesota Twins 9-3 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

What a difference a week can make

The first-year Twins skipper spent just over five years in Pittsburgh before being dismissed early last season.

The Twins endured a rough weekend in Pittsburgh that included having to replace five pitchers on the active roster, and there are no obvious answers to who is filling their hole in the rotation.

PITTSBURGH — A road trip that started so promisingly for the Twins ended with a thud Sunday. The Twins began their trek by sweeping the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park for the first time since 1994. They ended it by getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing Sunday 9-3 at PNC Park.

Jake Mangum finished with three hits, including his first home run of the season as the Pittsburgh Pirates held off the Minnesota Twins 10-9.

Braxton Ashcraft had another strong start for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who completed a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a 9-3 win at PNC Park on Sunday afternoon.

Call it a Texas three-step. Looking to complete a sweep and win five of seven on their homestand, the Pirates relied on three players with Texas ties during a 9-3 victory over the Twins at PNC Park, with Braxton Ashcraft,