The Detroit Tigers enter Wednesday night’s series finale at Target Field searching for a response after two difficult performances against the Minnesota Twins.
Minnesota has outscored Detroit 26-3 through the first two games of the series, winning 11-1 on Monday before using a 10-run sixth inning to secure a 15-2 victory Tuesday. The Tigers have now lost three consecutive games overall and seven straight on the road.
First pitch for the series finale is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET.
Drew Anderson tasked with stopping Detroit’s skid
Right-hander Drew Anderson will take the mound for Detroit. Anderson enters the game with a 4-5 record, a 3.87 ERA and 96 strikeouts over 86 innings.
The Tigers need Anderson to settle the game early after Minnesota’s lineup generated 26 runs and six home runs during the first two games. Limiting walks and keeping the baseball in the ballpark will be essential against a Twins offense that has capitalized on nearly every Detroit mistake during the series.
Detroit gets another opportunity against Dean Kremer
Minnesota will counter with Dean Kremer, who owns a 2-5 record and 5.60 ERA.
Kremer is a familiar opponent for the Tigers. While pitching for Baltimore on July 28, he surrendered a career-high eight earned runs over four innings as Detroit defeated the Orioles 14-0.
That previous success should give the Tigers confidence, but Detroit must create traffic and force Kremer to work under pressure early. Falling behind again would allow Minnesota to control the pace of the game and complete the sweep.
Tigers’ offense needs a complete response
The return of Riley Greene gives Detroit another important presence in the lineup. Greene was activated from the injured list Tuesday and drove in a run, but the Tigers will need production throughout the order to reverse the direction of this series.
Dillon Dingler, who leads Detroit with 26 home runs and 82 RBI, provides the lineup’s primary power threat. Rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle enters the finale leading the Tigers with a .274 batting average and .374 on-base percentage.
Detroit’s offensive priorities should be straightforward: establish quality at-bats early, avoid chasing outside the strike zone and capitalize when runners reach scoring position.
Three keys for Detroit
- Score first: Minnesota has dictated both games by building early momentum.
- Play clean defense: Extra outs and avoidable mistakes cannot continue against a hot lineup.
- Keep Minnesota in the ballpark: The Twins have punished Detroit pitching with power throughout the series.
The Tigers cannot undo the first two games, but they can leave Minneapolis with a much-needed win, snap their seven-game road losing streak and generate momentum heading into their next series.
Game information
- Matchup: Detroit Tigers (63-75) at Minnesota Twins (67-72)
- First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
- Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis
- Detroit starter: RHP Drew Anderson, 4-5, 3.87 ERA
- Minnesota starter: RHP Dean Kremer, 2-5, 5.60 ERA
- Television: Detroit SportsNet and MLB.TV
- Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
- Weather: Approximately 84°F and mostly sunny around first pitch
- Odds: Minnesota -118 | Total: 9.0, as of Wednesday morning
- Series: Minnesota leads 2-0
