Brooks Lee’s Grand Slam Powers Minnesota Twins Past Detroit Tigers 8-1 on August 17, 2025

Sunday, August 17th, 2025

Minnesota Twins Defeat Detroit Tigers 8-1 with Brooks Lee's First Career Grand Slam

The Minnesota Twins broke out offensively on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Detroit Tigers 8-1 and preventing a four-game sweep at Target Field. The decisive moment came in the third inning, when Brooks Lee launched his first career grand slam to highlight a six-run frame.

Brooks Lee Delivers Grand Slam in Big Third Inning

Brooks Lee’s grand slam, his first at the major league level, capped a dramatic third inning for Minnesota. The inning began with Byron Buxton’s 25th home run of the season, a 388-foot shot into the second deck in left field. Royce Lewis also homered as the Twins sent a clear message with their offensive firepower. Lee’s slam over the right-field seats marked the first grand slam for the Twins since July 5, 2024.

Dominant Pitching Performance from Thomas Hatch

Twins pitcher Thomas Hatch (2-0) made his seventh career start, and his first since September 2023, going five innings and giving up just three hits while striking out four. The bullpen followed with an impressive performance, combining to strike out a total of 12 Tigers hitters, including a stretch of seven consecutive strikeouts by relievers.

Detroit Tigers Struggles and Highlights

The AL Central-leading Tigers were held to just three hits, with Kerry Carpenter driving in their only run with an RBI single. Starter Chris Paddack (4-11), recently acquired from Minnesota, struggled in his return to Target Field, allowing eight earned runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. This was the third time this season Paddack has surrendered at least eight runs in a start.

Key Moment

The pivotal moment came with two outs in the bottom of the third: Royce Lewis worked a walk after falling behind 0-2, and four pitches later, Brooks Lee hit his grand slam, breaking the game open for the Twins.

Key Stat

Detroit managed just three hits and struck out 12 times in the game, including seven consecutive strikeouts against Twins relievers Michael Tonkin, Cole Sands, and Génesis Cabrera.

Up Next

For the next matchup, the Tigers will send Jack Flaherty (6-12, 4.76 ERA) to the mound against Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti (1-3, 6.38 ERA) in Detroit. The Twins will open a home series against the Oakland Athletics with Joe Ryan (12-5, 2.72 ERA) scheduled to face Jacob Lopez (6-6, 3.30 ERA).

In summary

The Minnesota Twins snapped a losing streak and avoided a series sweep with a dominant 8-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers, fueled by Brooks Lee’s first major league grand slam and solid pitching from Thomas Hatch. Key offensive performances from Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis, along with strong work from the bullpen, held the Tigers’ bats quiet. The teams now look ahead to their respective upcoming series as the playoff race in the American League Central intensifies.

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