Twins Crush Scherzer, Blue Jays 8-2

Tristan Gray's 3-run homer powers Minnesota to victory over Toronto

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white intersecting to depict the action of a baseball game between two teams, the details obscured into an abstract, energetic composition.A cubist interpretation of the Twins' decisive victory over the Blue Jays, with the game's key moments fractured into a dynamic visual composition.New Haven Today

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 on Sunday, with Tristan Gray hitting a 3-run home run and Kody Clemens adding a solo shot. Twins starter Sonny Gray pitched well, while Blue Jays ace Max Scherzer struggled, allowing 8 runs in the loss.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two of the top teams in the American League. The Twins' win helps them keep pace in the AL Central race, while the loss is a setback for the Blue Jays as they try to catch the division-leading Guardians.

The details

Tristan Gray's 3-run homer in the 5th inning broke the game open for the Twins, who jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Sonny Gray pitched 6 strong innings for Minnesota, limiting the powerful Blue Jays lineup. Meanwhile, Toronto ace Max Scherzer uncharacteristically struggled, allowing 8 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings of work.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Tristan Gray

A 27-year-old outfielder for the Minnesota Twins who hit a 3-run home run in the 5th inning to power his team to victory.

Kody Clemens

A 25-year-old infielder for the Minnesota Twins who hit a solo home run in the game.

Sonny Gray

The 31-year-old starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who earned the win, pitching 6 strong innings.

Max Scherzer

The 41-year-old future Hall of Fame pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who had an uncharacteristically poor outing, allowing 8 runs in 5 innings.

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What they’re saying

“We came out swinging today and put a lot of pressure on their ace. Tristan's big homer was the difference-maker.”

— Rocco Baldelli, Twins Manager

“I just didn't have my best stuff today. Credit to the Twins, they came out and hit me hard. We'll bounce back from this one.”

— Max Scherzer

What’s next

The Twins and Blue Jays will meet again for a 3-game series in Minnesota starting on May 1st.

The takeaway

This was an important divisional win for the Twins, who showed they can beat one of the AL's top pitchers in Scherzer. The Blue Jays will need to regroup after this tough loss as they try to keep pace with the Guardians atop the AL East.