The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-1 in the first game of a three-game series. Cardinals' pitchers Andre Pallante, John King, and Ryan Fernandez combined to limit the Twins to just one run on five hits, with Pallante earning the win after seven strong innings. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn each drove in two runs, while Brendan Donovan added a solo home run. The Twins' starter David Festa struggled, giving up three runs, three hits, and three walks over 3 2/3 innings. Despite scoring first in the second inning, the Twins could not muster any additional offense. This loss marked the start of a nine-game homestand for the Twins, who fell to third place in the AL Central.