Twins Edge Tigers in High-Scoring Affair at Target Field
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:40 PM ET · Target Field
Minnesota Twins 8, Detroit Tigers 6, 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 Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins?
Minnesota Twins beat Detroit Tigers 8-6 at Target Field on April 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins?
Detroit Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -156 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
The Minnesota Twins triumphed over the Detroit Tigers with a final score of 8-6 at Target Field, marking their fourth consecutive victory in the series against Detroit. This win solidifies the Twins' dominance over the Tigers, having swept the series 4-0. The matchup showcased a competitive spirit, particularly in the later innings, where both teams exchanged runs in a thrilling display of offense.
The Twins entered the game with a home record of 6-6, while the Tigers struggled on the road with a 4-8 record. In their last ten games, the Twins have been relatively balanced with a record of 5-5, currently riding a two-game winning streak and averaging 4.8 runs scored per game while allowing 4.6. Their recent form included victories against the Tigers on April 6 and 7, where they won 7-3 and 4-2, respectively. The Twins have shown resilience at home, with a 3-2 record in their last five games, scoring an average of 4.6 runs and allowing 4.0.
On the other hand, the Tigers have faced challenges lately, losing their last three games and posting a 4-6 record over their last ten outings. They have averaged 4.7 runs scored per game while allowing 4.5. Their performance on the road has been particularly disappointing, with a 2-5 record in away games. The Tigers' recent losses to the Twins were compounded by their earlier defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals, where they lost 5-3 on April 5.
The game was not without its injury concerns. The Twins are currently dealing with several key players on the injured list, including Byron Buxton (10-Day IL, hip), Austin Martin (10-Day IL, hamstring), Joe Ryan (15-Day IL, lower body), Mike Paredes (60-Day IL, oblique), and Mick Abel (60-Day IL, elbow). The Tigers also have significant injuries, with Brant Hurter (60-Day IL, back), Wenceel Perez (60-Day IL, orbital), Burch Smith (60-Day IL, shoulder), Jack Flaherty (15-Day IL, forearm), and Justin Verlander (60-Day IL, hamstring) unavailable for the game.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings listed the Tigers as the favorites at -156, with a spread of 1.5 and a total set at 8.0. The odds for the over were -112, while the under was priced at -108. The Twins, with a money line of +129, were seen as underdogs despite their recent successes against the Tigers.
The conditions at Target Field were conducive for a lively game, and the scoring plays reflected that. The Twins took an early lead and built a solid cushion, with significant contributions coming from their lineup. Notable scoring plays included a double by Torres in the seventh inning, which brought in two runs, and a wild pitch from Sands that allowed Greene to score, showcasing the Twins' offensive depth.
As the game progressed, the Tigers attempted a comeback, scoring multiple runs in the seventh inning, but ultimately fell short. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans engaged, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities and resilience.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the Twins' ability to capitalize on their home advantage while the Tigers continue to seek answers to their struggles on the road. The Twins' victory not only adds to their momentum but also emphasizes their recent dominance in this series against Detroit.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -156 | 8 o -112 / u -108 | Detroit Tigers -156 · Minnesota Twins +129 |
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
- Brant Hurter60-Day-ILBackDetroit Tigers
- Wenceel Perez60-Day-ILOrbitalDetroit Tigers
- Burch Smith60-Day-ILShoulderDetroit Tigers
- Jack Flaherty15-Day-ILForearmDetroit Tigers
- Justin Verlander60-Day-ILHamstringDetroit Tigers
Recent form
Minnesota Twins
Last 10: 5-5Streak W24.8 scored · 4.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W4-2vs Detroit TigersApr 7
- W7-3vs Detroit TigersApr 6
- L1-4vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 5
- L1-7vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 4
- W10-4vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 3
- W5-1at Kansas City RoyalsApr 2
- L9-13at Kansas City RoyalsApr 1
- L1-3at Kansas City RoyalsMar 30
- L6-8at Baltimore OriolesMar 29
- W4-1at Baltimore OriolesMar 28
Detroit Tigers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L34.7 scored · 4.5 allowed per game2-5 away
- L2-4at Minnesota TwinsApr 7
- L3-7at Minnesota TwinsApr 6
- L3-5vs St. Louis CardinalsApr 5
- W11-6vs St. Louis CardinalsApr 4
- W4-0vs St. Louis CardinalsApr 3
- L5-7at Arizona DiamondbacksApr 1
- L6-9at Arizona DiamondbacksMar 31
- L0-3at San Diego PadresMar 29
- W5-2at San Diego PadresMar 28
- W8-2at San Diego PadresMar 26
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | - | 66 | L1 | .525 | 73 |
| Cleveland | 3 | 69 | L1 | .504 | 70 |
| Minnesota | 6.5 | 73 | L1 | .479 | 67 |
| Detroit | 9 | 75 | W1 | .460 | 64 |
| Kansas City | 11.5 | 78 | L3 | .443 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning0-1Buxton scored on Valdez wild pitch, Keaschall to second on wild pitch by Valdez, Martin to third on wild pitch by Valdez.
- 1st Inning0-1Buxton scored on Valdez wild pitch, Keaschall to second on wild pitch by Valdez, Martin to third on wild pitch by Valdez.
- 1st Inning0-2Jeffers grounded out to third, Martin scored.
- 1st Inning0-3Bell singled to left, Keaschall scored, Caratini to second.
- 1st Inning0-4Wallner doubled to right, Caratini scored, Bell to third.
- 1st Inning0-6Lewis singled to center, Bell scored and Wallner scored.
- 4th Inning0-7Keaschall singled to center, Buxton scored.
- 6th Inning1-7Carpenter singled to right, Keith scored, Torres to third.
- 6th Inning2-7Dingler singled to center, Torres scored, Carpenter to second.
- 6th Inning2-8Buxton scored, Martin picked off and caught stealing second.
- 6th Inning2-8Buxton scored, Martin picked off and caught stealing second.
- 7th Inning4-8Torres doubled to right, McGonigle scored and Báez scored.
- 7th Inning5-8Greene reached on infield single to second, Torres scored.
- 7th Inning6-8Greene scored on Sands wild pitch, Dingler to second on wild pitch by Sands.
- 7th Inning6-8Greene scored on Sands wild pitch, Dingler to second on wild pitch by Sands.
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Twins, below favours Detroit Tigers.
Venue
- Target FieldMinneapolis, Minnesota
- Attendance13038
- OfficialsSteven Jaschinski, Adrian Johnson, Rob Drake, Quinn Wolcott
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- Tigers Edge Twins in Thrilling 12-Inning ShowdownSep 2, 2026
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