Lee’s Grand Slam Powers Twins Past Tigers, Avoid Four-Game Sweep

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Brooks Lee launched his first career grand slam to cap a six-run third inning, leading the Minnesota Twins to an 8-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday and avoiding a sweep in the four-game series.

Byron Buxton led the offensive charge with three hits, including his 25th home run of the season. Royce Lewis also went deep for Minnesota, which snapped a rough stretch with only its second win in the past seven games.

Right-hander Thomas Hatch (2-0), making just his seventh career start and first since September 2, 2023, allowed three hits and struck out four across five solid innings.

The game turned in the third inning. Buxton opened the frame with a towering 388-foot shot into the second deck in left field. Later, with the bases loaded and two outs, Lewis battled back from an 0-2 count to draw a walk. On the fourth pitch to the next batter, Lee crushed a grand slam into the right-field seats off former Twins pitcher Chris Paddack — Minnesota’s first grand slam since Carlos Correa hit one on July 5 in Houston.

Key Moment:
Royce Lewis’ gritty two-out walk kept the third inning alive. He fouled off a tough pitch that just eluded Detroit first baseman Spencer Torkelson, then worked the count full before drawing a walk. Four pitches later, Lee delivered the game-breaking grand slam.

Key Stat:
Detroit’s offense stalled, managing only three hits while striking out 12 times — including seven consecutive strikeouts against relievers Michael Tonkin, Cole Sands, and Génesis Cabrera.

Kerry Carpenter drove in the lone run for the AL Central-leading Tigers with an RBI single. The loss snapped Detroit’s five-game winning streak.

Paddack (4-11), traded to Detroit from Minnesota on July 28, struggled in his return to Target Field. He allowed eight earned runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. Sunday marked the third time this season he’s given up eight or more runs in a start.

What’s Next:

• Tigers: RHP Jack Flaherty (6-12, 4.76 ERA) is set to start Monday at home against the Houston Astros, who will send RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-3, 6.38 ERA) to the mound.
• Twins: Minnesota opens a home series Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics. RHP Joe Ryan (12-5, 2.72 ERA) is scheduled to face LHP Jacob Lopez (6-6, 3.30 ERA).