Twins Drop Series Finale to Red Sox

Minnesota's lead in AL Central narrows after 9-5 loss at home

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players and field fragmented into overlapping planes of bright colors representing the uniforms of the Twins and Red Sox.The Twins' series-ending loss to the Red Sox tightens the race atop the AL Central division.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Twins fell to the Boston Red Sox 9-5 in the final game of their three-game series at Target Field. The Twins took the series 2-1 but saw their lead in the AL Central division shrink to just one game over the Cleveland Guardians.

Why it matters

The Twins' loss in the series finale was a missed opportunity to extend their division lead, as they now face a tighter race at the top of the AL Central standings early in the season.

The details

Minnesota took an early 1-0 lead on a solo home run by left fielder Austin Martin in the first inning, but the Red Sox responded with nine unanswered runs, including a five-run third inning aided by two Twins errors. The Twins mounted a late comeback with four runs in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

  • The game was played on April 16, 2026.
  • The Twins and Red Sox were in the third game of a three-game series.
  • The Twins entered the game with an 11-8 record, leading the AL Central by one game over the Cleveland Guardians.

The players

Austin Martin

Minnesota Twins left fielder who hit a solo home run in the first inning.

Simeon Woods Richardson

Twins starting pitcher who took the loss, allowing seven runs (six earned) over five innings.

Brooks Lee

Twins infielder who drove in a run with a single in the ninth inning, extending his RBI streak to seven games.

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What they’re saying

“We had a chance to extend our division lead, but Boston came out swinging and we just couldn't overcome the early deficit.”

— Rocco Baldelli, Twins Manager

What’s next

The Twins will have an off day on April 17 before opening a three-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds on April 18.

The takeaway

Despite the series loss, the Twins remain in first place in the AL Central, but their lead has narrowed to just one game over the Guardians. The team will need to regroup quickly as they host the Reds in their next series.