Twins Sweep Braves with 4-1 Victory at Target Field
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:40 PM ET · Target Field
Minnesota Twins 4, Atlanta Braves 1, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins?
Minnesota Twins beat Atlanta Braves 4-1 at Target Field on August 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins?
Atlanta Braves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -147 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
The Minnesota Twins secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves, completing a three-game series sweep. This win marks the Twins' third consecutive triumph against the Braves, having previously won 4-2 in the series opener just a day earlier. The game took place at Target Field, where the Twins have shown resilience despite a challenging season.
In terms of recent form, the Twins have displayed a mixed record of 4-6 over their last ten games, but they managed to break a streak of losses with their latest win. Their scoring average during this stretch has been 4.3 runs per game, while they have allowed an average of 5.4 runs. Notably, the Twins have a home record of 3-4 in their last seven games at Target Field, which contrasts with their away performance, where they have struggled with a 1-2 record.
The Braves, on the other hand, have also recorded a 4-6 record in their last ten games but are coming off a loss against the Twins after winning their previous match against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Atlanta's scoring average in their last ten games stands at 3.3 runs per game, with an average of 3.9 runs allowed. They have faced difficulties on the road recently, with a 1-3 record in their last four away games.
The series has highlighted the Twins' ability to perform at home, particularly in this matchup, where they have now won three straight against the Braves. Historically, the Twins have struggled against Atlanta, with a 1-3 record in their last four meetings prior to this series. The Twins' victory in this game was underscored by a strong offensive showing, including a two-run homer by Bell in the first inning and a crucial double by Jeffers in the eighth inning that brought in two more runs.
In terms of injuries, the Twins were missing key players such as Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan, both on the injured list, which has affected their lineup throughout the season. The Braves also faced injury challenges, with notable absences including Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Strider. These injuries have impacted both teams' depth and performance, making the Twins' win even more significant given their current roster limitations.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Braves favored at -147, with a spread of 1.5 runs and a total set at 9.0 runs for the game. The odds reflect the Braves' stronger overall record this season, but the Twins' recent form at home proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of this matchup.
Conditions at Target Field were conducive for baseball, allowing both teams to showcase their skills. Fans watching the game were treated to a display of power hitting from the Twins, particularly with Bell's impressive home run and Jeffers' critical contributions in the later innings. The Twins' pitching also played a vital role in limiting the Braves to just one run, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Overall, the Twins' victory not only solidifies their recent form but also raises questions about the Braves' ability to compete as they head into the final stretch of the season. With the series now concluded, the Twins will look to build on this momentum, while the Braves will need to regroup and address their recent struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -147 | 9 o -111 / u -108 | Atlanta Braves -147 · Minnesota Twins +137 |
Injury report
- Byron Buxton10-Day-ILHipMinnesota Twins
- Austin Martin10-Day-ILHamstringMinnesota Twins
- Joe Ryan15-Day-ILLower BodyMinnesota Twins
- Mike Paredes60-Day-ILObliqueMinnesota Twins
- Mick Abel60-Day-ILElbowMinnesota Twins
- Reynaldo Lopez15-Day-ILKneeAtlanta Braves
- Robert Suarez60-Day-ILElbowAtlanta Braves
- Joe Jimenez60-Day-ILKneeAtlanta Braves
- Spencer Strider60-Day-ILElbowAtlanta Braves
- Jurickson ProfarSuspensionSuspensionAtlanta Braves
Recent form
Minnesota Twins
Last 10: 4-6Streak W14.3 scored · 5.4 allowed per game3-4 at home
- W4-2vs Atlanta BravesAug 17
- L5-7vs Philadelphia PhilliesAug 16
- L1-9vs Philadelphia PhilliesAug 15
- L1-7vs Philadelphia PhilliesAug 13
- W7-5vs Baltimore OriolesAug 12
- L2-5vs Baltimore OriolesAug 11
- W9-5vs Baltimore OriolesAug 10
- L3-4at Milwaukee BrewersAug 9
- L3-4at Milwaukee BrewersAug 8
- W8-6at Milwaukee BrewersAug 7
Atlanta Braves
Last 10: 4-6Streak L13.3 scored · 3.9 allowed per game1-3 away
- L2-4at Minnesota TwinsAug 17
- W5-3vs Arizona DiamondbacksAug 16
- L3-10vs Arizona DiamondbacksAug 15
- L0-2vs Arizona DiamondbacksAug 14
- W6-3vs New York MetsAug 12
- W4-0vs New York MetsAug 11
- L5-8vs New York MetsAug 10
- W2-1at New York YankeesAug 9
- L4-5at New York YankeesAug 8
- L2-3at New York YankeesAug 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 57 | W1 | .593 | 83 |
| Philadelphia | 4 | 61 | L1 | .564 | 79 |
| Miami | 12.5 | 70 | L1 | .504 | 71 |
| Washington | 17 | 75 | L1 | .472 | 67 |
| New York | 20 | 77 | W1 | .450 | 63 |
| Chicago | - | 67 | L2 | .521 | 73 |
| Cleveland | 3 | 70 | L2 | .500 | 70 |
| Minnesota | 6 | 73 | L1 | .479 | 67 |
| Detroit | 8.5 | 75 | W1 | .460 | 64 |
| Kansas City | 10.5 | 78 | W1 | .447 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning0-2Bell homered to right center (434 feet), Jeffers scored.
- 6th Inning1-2Baldwin homered to left center (383 feet).
- 8th Inning1-4Jeffers doubled to center, Buxton scored and Culpepper scored.
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Twins, below favours Atlanta Braves.
Venue
- Target FieldMinneapolis, Minnesota
- Attendance22193
- OfficialsMark Wegner, Carlos Torres, Nate Tomlinson, Bruce Dreckman
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These two, other days
- Twins Complete Sweep Over Braves with 6-4 VictoryAug 19, 2026
- Twins Sweep Braves with 4-2 Victory at Target FieldAug 17, 2026
- Twins Triumph Over Braves in Exciting ShowdownMar 22, 2026
- Braves Edge Twins in High-Scoring ThrillerMar 9, 2026
- Braves Defeat Twins 4-1 in MLB ShowdownMar 6, 2026