The Minnesota Twins' bats erupted early and often on Sunday afternoon, dismantling the Detroit Tigers 8-1 in a game that showcased Byron Buxton's continued dominance and the Tigers' pitching woes. Buxton led the charge with a 3-for-5 performance, including a towering home run and two runs scored, while Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee each added homers of their own—Lee's three-run blast in the third inning effectively putting the game out of reach. The Twins' offense feasted on Detroit starter Chris Paddack, who lasted just 5.2 innings while surrendering eight runs on nine hits, including three home runs, as his ERA ballooned to 5.10.

Thomas Hatch delivered a solid five innings for Minnesota, allowing just one run while striking out four, and the bullpen closed the door with four scoreless frames. The Tigers' lone bright spot came from Kerry Carpenter's RBI single, but it was far too little against a Twins lineup that collected 11 hits. With the win, Minnesota strengthens its playoff push, while Detroit's struggles continue—especially against division rivals who seem to have their number.

When the Detroit Tigers roll into Minneapolis this Sunday (August 17, 2:10 PM ET), they’ll face a Minnesota Twins team hungry to prove their mettle in a late-summer showdown that could shape the AL Central’s tightening race. The Tigers, riding a wave of momentum, bring their resurgent offense to Target Field, where Minnesota’s pitching staff—backed by one of baseball’s most electric home crowds—will look to silence Detroit’s bats and reclaim control of the division narrative. Every pitch, every swing will carry weight as both clubs jockey for position in the playoff hunt.

This isn’t just another August matchup—it’s a clash of contrasting strengths. Detroit’s lineup has been red-hot, while the Twins’ arms have thrived under pressure at home. With the season’s stretch run looming, expect fireworks: a battle of wills between Detroit’s timely hitting and Minnesota’s clutch defense. The question isn’t just who wins, but who *needs* it more—and which team will leave everything on the field in front of a raucous Sunday crowd.