Tigers Swept by Twins in Four-Game Series After 3-1 Loss

Detroit's offense struggles with runners in scoring position as Minnesota rallies late to complete the sweep.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the action on the field.The Tigers' offensive struggles against the Twins are reflected in a cubist deconstruction of the game action.Minneapolis Today

The Detroit Tigers were swept in a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins after falling 3-1 in the finale on Thursday. The Tigers went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, stranding multiple baserunners throughout the game. The Twins broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring two runs off Tigers reliever Will Vest to take the lead.

Why it matters

The Tigers' five-game losing streak and nine losses in their last 11 games have them struggling early in the season. The sweep at the hands of the division-rival Twins is a concerning sign, as Detroit looks to turn things around after a disappointing start.

The details

Tigers starter Jack Flaherty pitched well, allowing just one run over 5.2 innings, but the offense couldn't capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Twins took a 1-0 lead on a Josh Bell solo home run in the fourth inning, but the Tigers tied it in the seventh on a sacrifice fly from Gleyber Torres. In the eighth, Vest walked a batter, gave up two singles, and then allowed a go-ahead two-run single to Brooks Lee that proved to be the difference.

  • The Tigers and Twins were tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the eighth inning on Thursday, April 9.
  • The Twins scored two runs in the eighth to take a 3-1 lead, which held up as the final score.

The players

Jack Flaherty

The Tigers' starting pitcher, who allowed one run on five hits over 5.2 innings with six strikeouts.

Will Vest

The Tigers' relief pitcher who gave up the go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning.

Brooks Lee

The Twins' hitter who delivered the decisive two-run single in the eighth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Trusting in the youngster paid off for the Twins, as Abel induced an inning-ending groundout to keep the Tigers scoreless – a big moment in the Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Twins on Thursday, April 9, in the finale of the four-game series at Target Field.”

— Evan Petzold, Reporter

What’s next

The Tigers will look to bounce back on Friday, April 10 when they host the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park, the first of a nine-game homestand.

The takeaway

The Tigers' struggles with runners in scoring position and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities have contributed to their disappointing start to the season. The sweep at the hands of the division-rival Twins is a concerning sign, and the team will need to turn things around quickly to avoid falling further behind in the AL Central race.