An AL Central showdown stole the spotlight during the weekend, and Monday night will begin another clash within the division. The Minnesota Twins (59-54) are in the Motor City ready to face the Detroit Tigers (49-62). 9.0 games separate these clubs, meaning that the stakes won't be high for the four-game set. Unless, the Tigers manage to win each game, which would make the division race even more interesting down the stretch. At 6:40 p.m. EDT in Comerica Park, both teams will try to begin the new week with a win. So far, Detroit leads the season series 4-3.
A ninth-inning comeback secured a sweep for the first-place Minnesota Twins. They'll look to extend their four-game winning streak when they head to Detroit. Pitching has been the Twins' strength all season, including this winning streak, which Pablo Lopez will try to push to five. Lopez has held opponents to fewer than three runs in five of his last six outings. The only time he faced the Tigers this year, he allowed three runs in 6.0 innings. He earned the loss, even with 10 strikeouts against one walk. It wasn't his best outing, but he and the bullpen gave Minnesota a chance to win.
1st career walk-off for Wallner. #TwinsWin! pic.twitter.com/RvVbkKFhKW
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 6, 2023
Run support typically drags this team down, even on the best pitching nights. It nearly did on Sunday before a three-run ninth saved the day. They're 17th in runs per game this season, although since July 1 the Twins are averaging 5.00 runs per game (10th). Minnesota's success comes despite the league's worst strikeout rate. Homers are how this team scores most of its runs. Depending on the night, results may vary.