Tigers Aim for Series Win Against Struggling Twins in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — The Detroit Tigers defeated the Minnesota Twins 7-6 in the opening game of their weekend series on Friday night, looking to secure a series victory during Saturday’s afternoon matchup at Target Field. The win marks the Tigers’ eighth of the season, showcasing a strong offensive performance led by Dillon Dingler, who recorded three hits, one walk, and an RBI.

The game featured a pitching duel with Detroit’s rookie sensation Jackson Jobe facing off against veteran Chris Paddack. Fans can watch the game live at 2:10 p.m. ET on local broadcast channels.

Despite struggles on the mound, Jobe’s record shows the Tigers prevailed in both his appearances so far in 2025, despite a shaky start. In his season debut, the 22-year-old pitcher allowed three runs over four innings, with two home runs among three hits, adding to his four walks and three strikeouts.

Conversely, Paddack, a seasoned pitcher with a less than stellar 14.73 ERA this season, suffered a harsh introduction to the 2025 season, allowing nine runs in his first outing against the New York Yankees. His performance against the Tampa Bay Rays was slightly better as he managed to complete four innings while giving up four runs, three of which were earned.

Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch remains optimistic about Jobe’s potential as he continues to adapt to major league pressure. “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, and each outing is a learning experience,” Hinch stated during pre-game remarks.

The Tigers currently sit in a favorable position, winning seven of their last nine games, which has significantly uplifted their spirits as they aim for their fourth consecutive series win. Meanwhile, the Twins are reeling from their fifth loss in six games, further compounding the pressure on their season.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed concerns over his team’s fundamentals, emphasizing the need for improvement. “We have to play better fundamental baseball, and it can’t come and go,” Baldelli said post-game on Friday. His squad’s early-season struggles have them at a disappointing 4-10, one of the worst starts in franchise history.

Notably, pitcher David Festa made his debut for the Twins on Friday, allowing just one unearned run in nearly five innings. While he showed promising signs, the game slipped away from the Twins as reliever Jorge Alcalá surrendered four runs without recording an out.

As the teams prepare for the second game of the series, the pressure mounts for the Twins. A win today is crucial for them to build momentum and regain their footing as the season continues.