Brooks Lee celebrates first career grand slam as Minnesota Twins beat Detroit Tigers 8-1

Brooks Lee's Grand Slam Avoids Sweep in Twins' 8-1 Rout - Copy

August 21, 2025•4 min read

First Career Grand Slam Powers Six-Run Third Inning Against Former Teammate Paddack

The Minnesota Twins salvaged their dignity and avoided a humiliating four-game sweep with an emphatic 8-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon at Target Field. Brooks Lee's first career grand slam highlighted a six-run third inning that turned a close game into a rout against former Twins pitcher Chris Paddack.

Lee's Historic Moment Caps Explosive Third

With the bases loaded and two outs in the third inning, Brooks Lee stepped to the plate facing his former teammate Paddack. The rookie infielder worked the count before launching a towering blast to right field that cleared the bases and gave the Twins a commanding 7-1 lead.

The grand slam was Lee's 12th home run of the season and came at the perfect moment for a team desperate to avoid complete embarrassment. The two-out hit capped a six-run rally that began with Luke Keaschall reaching base, followed by Ryan Jeffers and Royce Lewis loading the bases for Lee's heroics.

Buxton and Lewis Provide Additional Power

Byron Buxton had his best game in weeks, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run and multiple hits that kept rallies alive throughout the afternoon. The veteran center fielder's performance was exactly what the Twins needed after struggling through the first three games of the series.

Royce Lewis also connected for a home run, giving Minnesota three long balls on the day. The power display was a stark contrast to the offensive struggles that plagued the Twins during their three consecutive losses to open the series.

Paddack Struggles Against Former Team

Chris Paddack, who was traded from Minnesota to Detroit earlier this season, had no answer for his former teammates. The right-hander surrendered eight runs across his start, with the six-run third inning effectively ending his afternoon and Detroit's hopes of completing the sweep.

Paddack's struggles continued a disappointing pattern for the veteran pitcher, who entered the game with a 4-10 record and 4.76 ERA. His inability to retire Twins hitters in crucial situations allowed Minnesota to break the game open early and cruise to victory.

Twins Pitching Dominates Tigers Lineup

Minnesota's pitching staff, which had been battered throughout the series, finally found its rhythm against Detroit's potent offense. The Twins held the Tigers to just one run while scattering hits and keeping the AL Central leaders off balance throughout the afternoon.

The performance was a welcome sight for Twins fans who had watched their team surrender 19 runs in the first three games of the series. Sunday's effort showed the kind of pitching the organization had hoped to see all season.

Avoiding Historical Embarrassment

The victory prevented what would have been a devastating four-game sweep at home against a division rival. For a team sitting at 58-67 and playing out a lost season, avoiding complete humiliation was about the best outcome Twins fans could have hoped for.

The win marked just Minnesota's second victory in their last seven games, highlighting just how difficult this season has been for the organization. While one victory doesn't change the trajectory of a disappointing campaign, it at least gave the home crowd something to cheer about.

Series Takeaways

Despite winning the finale, the Twins were thoroughly outplayed by Detroit throughout most of the four-game series. The Tigers outscored Minnesota 20-9 overall and showed exactly why they're leading the AL Central while the Twins are playing out the string.

Detroit's 74-53 record after the series puts them firmly in playoff position, while Minnesota's 58-67 mark reflects a season that went wrong in almost every way imaginable. The contrast between the two organizations couldn't be starker as they head in opposite directions.

Looking Ahead: Athletics Series Begins Monday

Game Time: 7:40 PM CT at Target Field
Probable Starters: TBD

The Twins will try to build momentum from Sunday's victory when they open a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics on Monday night. While the A's are also out of playoff contention, Minnesota will look to string together some positive performances in the final weeks of a forgettable season.

For Brooks Lee, Sunday's grand slam represents the kind of moment that can define a young player's career. The rookie has shown flashes of potential throughout his first MLB season, and his clutch hit in a pressure situation could be exactly what he needs to build confidence heading into 2026.

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