Brooks Lee Grand Slam Sends Twins Past Tigers 8-1

The Minnesota Twins delivered a statement win on Sunday, routing the Detroit Tigers 8-1 to avoid a three-game sweep. The highlight came in the third inning when rookie Brooks Lee launched a grand slam off former teammate and close friend Chris Paddack, breaking the game wide open.

The victory carried extra weight as it came on Twins Hall of Fame Day, with franchise legends watching from the stands.

Brooks Lee’s Grand Slam Shifts Momentum

The third inning felt electric for Minnesota. Royce Lewis started the fireworks with a home run, then Byron Buxton followed with a solo shot.

Moments later, Lee stepped in with the bases loaded and hammered the team’s first grand slam since July 2024. That big swing capped a six-run frame and gave the Twins a commanding lead early.

Lee’s grand slam was even sweeter because it came against Paddack—a pitcher he knew well from their time as Twins teammates before this season’s trade deadline.

Facing a Familiar Opponent

Lee credited the offensive outburst to familiarity. Twins hitters had seen plenty of Paddack in live batting practice and during earlier games this season.

That edge made a difference. Paddack gave up eight runs on nine hits, including three home runs, in just 5⅔ innings.

Even after a tough day for Paddack, the postgame mood between the friends stayed light. Lee joked that each had gotten the better of the other at least once that afternoon.

Byron Buxton’s Power and Hustle

Buxton’s performance stood out on its own. The veteran center fielder collected two singles and crushed a long solo homer.

His ability to spark rallies and add insurance runs shows why the Twins still view him as a cornerstone when he’s healthy.

Thomas Hatch Impresses in Rotation Debut

The Twins also showed off strong pitching. Newly acquired right-hander Thomas Hatch made the most of his shot, tossing five innings of one-run ball and allowing just three hits while striking out four.

For a team looking for stability in the back end of the rotation, Hatch’s outing hit the spot. His poise and efficiency helped set the tone, and the bullpen followed up with a sharp effort that kept the Tigers quiet.

Perfect Bullpen Performance

The Minnesota bullpen was flawless. Four relievers combined for four perfect innings, racking up eight strikeouts and giving Detroit no chance to claw back.

A Win with Extra Meaning

Sunday was Twins Hall of Fame Day, adding to the atmosphere. Franchise legends filled the stands, and the current roster responded with a performance worthy of the occasion.

For Lee, Lewis, Buxton, and the rest, the win wasn’t just another mark in the standings—it was a statement in front of the organization’s history-makers.

Looking Ahead

The Twins head into their next series riding the momentum of a complete team victory. The lineup keeps producing long balls and quality at-bats.

The pitching staff keeps delivering shutdown performances. Maybe this is the spark the club needs to stay in contention—hard to say, but it sure feels like it.

For Brooks Lee, this game will stand out. He hit his first career grand slam, and did it against a friend who knows his strengths and weaknesses.

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Here is the source article for this story: Brooks Lee’s grand slam off Chris Paddack steers Minnesota Twins to 8-1 victory over Detroit Tigers