The Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers match player stats from April 13, 2025 tell the story of a team finding its footing. Minnesota defeated Detroit 5-1 at Target Field, with Byron Buxton going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored, while Edouard Julien added a solo shot in his first homer of the season. Simeon Woods Richardson earned the win with five strong innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out five batters.
Game Overview: Twins End Three-Game Skid
Sunday afternoon baseball at Target Field brought exactly what Minnesota needed. After dropping three straight games and winning just once in their previous seven, the Twins (5-11) delivered their most complete performance of the young season. Detroit (9-6) came in riding high with seven wins in their last eight games, but couldn’t solve Woods Richardson and the Minnesota bullpen.
The attendance of 15,693 witnessed a clinic in pitching and timely hitting. The game lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes, moving at a crisp pace that kept fans engaged from first pitch to final out.
Box Score: Minnesota Twins 5, Detroit Tigers 1
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DET | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| MIN | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | X | 5 | 9 | 0 |
Offensive Player Stats: Batting Performances
Minnesota Twins Batting Statistics
| Player | Position | AB | R | H | RBI | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. Julien | 2B | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .282 | .333 | .436 |
| B. Buxton | CF | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .192 | .250 | .423 |
| W. Castro | SS | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .236 | .311 | .382 |
| M. Wallner | RF | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .231 | .355 | .423 |
| T. France | 1B | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .298 | .355 | .456 |
| R. Jeffers | C | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .200 | .263 | .229 |
| T. Larnach | DH | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .189 | .279 | .208 |
| B. Lee | 3B | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | .333 | .333 |
| H. Bader | LF | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .209 | .244 | .442 |
| Team Totals | 33 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Key Batting Notes:
- Team RISP: 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position
- Team LOB: 5 runners left on base
- Doubles: Buxton (3), Wallner (5)
- Home Runs: Buxton (3rd of season, 399 feet), Julien (1st of season, 361 feet)
Detroit Tigers Batting Statistics
| Player | Position | AB | R | H | RBI | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G. Torres | 2B | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .400 | .471 | .600 |
| K. Carpenter | RF | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .250 | .288 | .542 |
| R. Greene | LF-CF | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | .233 | .270 | .450 |
| S. Torkelson | 1B | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | .309 | .409 | .673 |
| C. Keith | DH | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .188 | .350 | .229 |
| Z. McKinstry | 3B | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .298 | .382 | .447 |
| D. Dingler | C | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .343 | .361 | .600 |
| T. Sweeney | SS | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .227 | .306 | .386 |
| R. Kreidler | CF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .111 | .172 | .111 |
| Team Totals | 32 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
Key Batting Notes:
- Team RISP: 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position
- Team LOB: 6 runners left on base
- Doubles: Carpenter (2)
- Home Runs: Torkelson (5th of season, 396 feet)
Pitching Stats: Complete Performance Breakdown
Minnesota Twins Pitching Statistics
| Pitcher | Decision | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HR | PC-ST | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. Woods Richardson | W (1-1) | 5.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 78-54 | 4.30 |
| L. Varland | H (1) | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12-9 | 3.38 |
| C. Sands | H (2) | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 17-9 | 3.00 |
| G. Jax | H (3) | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 17-12 | 4.76 |
| J. Duran | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10-8 | 1.42 | |
| Team Totals | 9.0 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 134-92 |
Pitching Highlights:
- Combined Shutout Innings: Bullpen threw 4.0 hitless innings
- Strikeout Performance: 12 total strikeouts, limiting Tigers contact
- First-Pitch Strikes: Woods Richardson 12/21, Jax 2/3, Varland 2/3, Duran 3/3
- Ground Ball/Fly Ball Ratio: Woods Richardson 3-7, Duran 1-1, Sands 1-2
Detroit Tigers Pitching Statistics
| Pitcher | Decision | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | HR | PC-ST | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. Mize | L (2-1) | 5.2 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 74-53 | 2.60 |
| B. Hurter | 1.2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17-15 | 4.00 | |
| K. Maeda | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12-6 | 12.27 | |
| Team Totals | 8.0 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 103-74 |
Pitching Notes:
- Wild Pitch: Mize (1)
- Game Score: Mize 42
- First-Pitch Strikes: Mize 19/24, Hurter 6/7, Maeda 1/3
- Ground Ball/Fly Ball Ratio: Mize 4-10, Hurter 3-2, Maeda 2-0
Scoring Summary: Play-by-Play Breakdown
First Inning: Buxton Sets the Tone
The game opened with a bang. After Julien grounded out to start the game, Byron Buxton stepped in and crushed a 399-foot solo homer to left field off Casey Mize. The blast gave Minnesota an immediate 1-0 advantage and set the energy level for the afternoon.
Second Inning: Lee’s Welcome Back Single
Brooks Lee, playing his first game of 2025 after recovering from a back strain, wasted no time making an impact. Ty France led off with a single, and with two outs, Lee delivered an RBI single to center field, pushing the lead to 2-0.
Fourth Inning: Torkelson Answers Back
Spencer Torkelson kept Detroit in the game with a 396-foot solo homer to left field off Woods Richardson. The Tigers first baseman, who had homered the previous day as well, cut the deficit to 2-1 with his fifth long ball of the young season.
Sixth Inning: Minnesota Pulls Away
This frame proved decisive. Edouard Julien opened the inning by launching his first homer of the season, a 361-foot shot that struck the left field foul pole. The opposite-field power gave Minnesota a 3-1 cushion.
Later in the inning, Buxton doubled and Willi Castro singled, putting runners at the corners. Ty France followed with an infield single to second base, scoring Buxton and extending the lead to 4-1.
Eighth Inning: Insurance Run
Matt Wallner provided the final margin with an RBI double to left field off reliever Brant Hurter. The hit scored Willi Castro, who had singled, making it 5-1 and putting the game out of reach.
Star Performers: Individual Standouts
Byron Buxton: Catalyst at the Top
Buxton delivered his best performance of the early season, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two runs scored. Batting second in the lineup for the first time in 2025, he set the offensive pace from the opening frame.
The center fielder has now homered in back-to-back games and raised his season batting average. His three home runs through 16 games put him on pace for a power resurgence after injury-plagued recent seasons.
“It was just a team thing, everybody picking each other up,” Buxton said after the game. “We’ve been not having the season that we want to, so a big part of us getting back is making sure that we’ve got each other’s back.”
Edouard Julien: Former Teammates Face Off
Julien’s matchup against Casey Mize carried extra significance. The two were teammates at Auburn, making the sixth-inning homer even more memorable for the second baseman.
Leading off for the first time this season, Julien went 1-for-4 with the solo homer and added strong defense at second base. His opposite-field power to pull the ball off the foul pole showed advanced bat control and maturity at the plate.
Simeon Woods Richardson: Bounce-Back Performance
The right-hander earned his first win of the season with a quality start. Woods Richardson allowed five hits and one run while striking out five over five innings. Most impressively, he issued zero walks and induced weak contact throughout his outing.
His pitch efficiency stood out with 78 pitches through five frames, 54 of them strikes. The 24-year-old generated 15 swings and misses, keeping the Tigers off-balance with his four-seam fastball, slider, and curveball mix.
Willi Castro: Extending the Streak
Castro continued his remarkable start to the season, going 2-for-4 and reaching base safely in all 15 games he’s played in 2025. The streak represents the longest such run to open a season for Minnesota since Brian Dozier reached in 17 straight games back in 2018.
The shortstop has become a table-setter extraordinaire, batting third and providing consistency in a lineup that’s struggled early. His .236 batting average doesn’t tell the full story of his on-base prowess.
Ty France: Two-Hit Day
The first baseman collected two hits in four at-bats, including an RBI single and a run scored. France’s .298 average ranks among the team leaders, and his presence in the five-hole provides lineup protection.
His RBI infield single in the sixth inning required hustle and awareness, as he beat out the throw to drive in a crucial insurance run.
Bullpen Excellence: Shutdown Relief Performance
The Minnesota bullpen authored a masterpiece after Woods Richardson’s exit. Four relievers combined for four hitless innings, striking out seven while allowing just one walk.
Louis Varland kicked things off with a perfect sixth inning, striking out all three batters he faced. Cole Sands navigated the seventh despite issuing a walk. Griffin Jax dominated the eighth with three more strikeouts. Jhoan Duran closed it out in the ninth, striking out one in a perfect frame.
The combined effort lowered the bullpen’s collective ERA and gave the starters confidence moving forward. When your relievers throw four hitless frames with seven punchouts, winning becomes considerably easier.
Detroit’s Offensive Struggles
The Tigers managed just five hits and went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Riley Greene’s struggles continued, as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and left two runners on base.
Greene is now 1-for-24 over his last seven games, a cold stretch that’s dropping his average and limiting Detroit’s run production. The young outfielder struck out with runners at the corners in the third and hit a flyout with two on in the fifth, missing key opportunities.
Spencer Torkelson provided the lone bright spot with his homer. Kerry Carpenter collected two hits, and Gleyber Torres went 1-for-4, but the offense couldn’t string together rallies against Minnesota’s pitching.
Casey Mize: Former Auburn Star Takes the Loss
Mize (2-1) suffered his first loss of the season despite pitching reasonably well through the first five innings. He surrendered seven hits and four earned runs in 5.2 innings, striking out three and walking none.
The sixth inning unraveled when Julien, his former college teammate, took him deep. Mize threw 74 pitches, 53 for strikes, but couldn’t navigate the Minnesota lineup a third time through.
His fastball command wavered late, and the Twins capitalized with three hits and two runs in the decisive sixth frame. The game score of 42 reflects a start that kept Detroit competitive but ultimately fell short.
Roster Moves and Context
The Twins made a significant roster move before the game, optioning infielder Jose Miranda to Triple-A St. Paul. Miranda was hitting just .167 with 13 strikeouts and had committed a mental error the previous day by failing to run hard on a potential forceout.
Brooks Lee’s activation provided an immediate boost. The highly regarded prospect delivered an RBI single in his season debut, showing why the organization values him so highly.
For Detroit, the loss snapped a hot stretch that saw them win seven of eight. At 9-6, they remain in strong position in the AL Central standings, while Minnesota improved to 5-11, desperately needing wins to climb back into contention.
Looking Ahead: Series Implications
This series finale gave Minnesota something to build on. After winning just twice in eight games, the complete performance offers a template moving forward. Manager Rocco Baldelli’s squad needs to replicate this formula: strong starting pitching, timely hitting, and lockdown relief work.
“It’s a very good version of our club,” Baldelli said after the victory. “That’s what our club looks like. This is the way that we play. That’s a game that I’ve seen many times before from this group, and that’s the game we’re looking for.”
Detroit moves on to face Milwaukee, with ace Tarik Skubal (1-2, 3.78 ERA) taking the mound Monday. Minnesota hosts the New York Mets in a three-game set, with Joe Ryan (1-1, 2.65 ERA) starting the opener against Clay Holmes (1-1, 4.30 ERA).
Statistical Deep Dives and Advanced Metrics
Hitting Performance Analysis
The Twins’ nine hits represented their second-highest total in the last eight games. More importantly, they converted 3-of-9 opportunities with runners in scoring position, a marked improvement over recent struggles.
Minnesota’s top five hitters (Julien, Buxton, Castro, Wallner, France) combined for eight hits and four RBIs. This production from the heart of the order gave the pitching staff breathing room and showcased the lineup’s potential when clicking.
Detroit’s 0-for-4 performance with RISP proved costly. Leaving six runners on base without pushing any across in key spots cost the Tigers multiple chances to tie or take the lead.
Pitching Efficiency Metrics
Woods Richardson’s 54 strikes on 78 pitches (69.2% strike rate) demonstrated excellent command. His five strikeouts against zero walks showed he attacked the zone aggressively while avoiding costly free passes.
The bullpen’s strike rate remained strong across all four relievers. Varland and Jax particularly impressed, combining for six strikeouts in two perfect innings. Their ability to miss bats in the zone neutralized any late-inning rally attempts.
Mize’s 53 strikes on 74 pitches (71.6% strike rate) matched Woods Richardson’s efficiency, but the damage in the sixth inning highlighted the importance of executing with two strikes. Both of his home runs allowed came with no outs in the inning, giving Minnesota momentum.
Game Flow and Win Probability
Minnesota established control early with Buxton’s first-inning homer, jumping to a 65% win probability. The second-inning run pushed that to 72%, and while Torkelson’s homer cut it back to 58%, the Twins never trailed.
The sixth-inning two-run frame proved decisive, pushing win probability above 90%. By the time Wallner doubled in the eighth, the outcome was essentially decided at 97% in Minnesota’s favor.
Detroit’s best chance came in the fifth inning with two runners on and one out, but Greene’s flyout preserved the lead and shifted momentum back to the home team.
Historical Context: Twins vs Tigers Rivalry
The Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers have met 299 times since 2003, with Detroit holding a slight 151-148 edge in the series. These AL Central rivals know each other well, making every game competitive and meaningful in the division race.
This particular matchup featured several subplots: Julien facing his former Auburn teammate Mize, Woods Richardson working on his sophomore campaign consistency, and Buxton trying to stay healthy for a full season.
The rivalry intensifies this season as both clubs believe they can contend in a winnable AL Central. Cleveland leads the division, but Detroit’s strong start and Minnesota’s talent base keep both teams in the race.
Player Spotlights: Supporting Cast Members
Brooks Lee: Perfect Timing
Lee’s season debut couldn’t have gone better. Beyond his RBI single, the third baseman showed solid defense and looked comfortable despite missing the first 11 games with a back strain.
The Twins need Lee’s bat in the lineup. His .333 batting average (albeit in limited action) and ability to play multiple infield positions provide roster flexibility.
Matt Wallner: Power Potential
Wallner’s RBI double showcased his raw power potential. The 26-year-old outfielder stands 6-foot-5 and generates leverage in his swing that produces tape-measure hits.
His .231 batting average and .423 slugging percentage suggest he’s finding his rhythm. If Wallner can reduce his strikeouts (he whiffed twice in this game), his power bat becomes a middle-of-the-order weapon.
Kerry Carpenter: Bright Spot for Detroit
Despite the loss, Carpenter’s two-hit performance continued his solid start. The right fielder is hitting .250 with a .542 slugging percentage, providing consistent at-bats in Detroit’s lineup.
Carpenter’s double in the game represented his second extra-base hit of the season. His ability to put the ball in play and drive the gaps makes him a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive puzzle.
Managerial Decisions and Strategy
Rocco Baldelli’s decision to bat Buxton second and Julien leadoff paid immediate dividends. The lineup shuffle energized both players and set a different table for the middle of the order.
Pulling Woods Richardson after five innings with 78 pitches may have seemed premature, but the bullpen’s dominant performance validated the decision. Fresh arms with plus stuff proved more effective than riding the starter deeper.
For Detroit manager A.J. Hinch, the decision to stick with Mize into the sixth backfired when Julien homered. Hinch had Hurter warming, but Mize had thrown just 65 pitches through five innings. The quick hook might have saved the game, though hindsight makes that judgment easier.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
The 15,693 fans at Target Field witnessed Minnesota’s most complete game of the season. The crowd energy picked up after Buxton’s first-inning blast and built throughout the afternoon.
A burning car on the parking ramp beyond the right field scoreboard provided an unusual visual backdrop, though it didn’t impact play. The incident became a talking point in the postgame coverage, with some players drawing metaphors about the team’s early struggles going up in flames.
Joe Mauer threw out the ceremonial first pitch, delighting the crowd with the Hall of Famer’s presence. These touches add to the gameday experience and connect current players with the franchise’s rich history.
Umpire Performance and Game Management
The umpiring crew of home plate umpire Jansen Visconti, first base umpire Malachi Moore, second base umpire Andy Fletcher, and third base umpire Brock Ballou called a clean game with no controversial decisions.
The strike zone remained consistent throughout, allowing both starting pitchers to establish rhythm. No plays required review, and the game flowed smoothly to its 2-hour, 15-minute completion time.
Statistical Comparisons: Team Offense vs. Team Pitching
Hitting Statistics:
- DET: 5 hits, 9 total bases, .156 batting average (5-for-32)
- MIN: 9 hits, 17 total bases, .273 batting average (9-for-33)
Pitching Statistics:
- DET: 1 earned run allowed, 12 strikeouts, .273 opponent average
- MIN: 1 earned run allowed, 3 strikeouts, .156 opponent average
The stark difference in hitting performance decided the game. Minnesota’s .273 team average nearly doubled Detroit’s .156 mark, while the home team’s 17 total bases exceeded the Tigers’ 9 by nearly 2:1.
Both pitching staffs performed well, each allowing just one earned run. Minnesota’s edge came from generating swings and misses, particularly from the bullpen’s quartet of relievers.
Injury Updates and Roster Health
Brooks Lee’s return from the back strain strengthened Minnesota’s roster depth. The Twins have remained relatively healthy early in the season, giving Baldelli consistent lineup options.
Detroit entered the game without major injury concerns. Their pitching staff has stayed largely intact, allowing Hinch to deploy his rotation and bullpen as planned.
Both teams will need to maintain health as the season progresses. The long AL Central grind requires depth and durability, particularly in the starting rotation where injuries can derail contention hopes.
Weather and Field Conditions
The 2:10 PM local start time featured ideal baseball weather in Minneapolis. Clear skies and mild temperatures created perfect conditions for Sunday afternoon baseball at Target Field.
The playing surface remained in excellent condition throughout. No fielding errors occurred by either team, testament to the grounds crew’s work and the favorable weather that’s blessed the early season.
Minnesota’s home field typically plays fair, neither significantly favoring hitters nor pitchers. The 399-foot and 361-foot homers showed that well-struck balls find their way out, while the nine total hits compared to five for Detroit reflected quality contact winning out.
Media Reaction and Coverage
National outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports provided comprehensive coverage of the game. The matchup between former Auburn teammates Julien and Mize drew particular attention, adding human interest to the box score.
Local coverage in Minneapolis emphasized the team’s bounce-back performance after a difficult stretch. The Star Tribune and other Twin Cities media outlets highlighted Baldelli’s postgame comments about the team’s identity and potential.
Detroit media focused on the team’s first loss after winning seven of eight, with coverage analyzing what went wrong offensively and whether Riley Greene’s slump should concern the organization.
Final Thoughts: Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers Match Player Stats
The Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers match player stats from April 13, 2025 reveal a game won with complete baseball. Strong starting pitching from Woods Richardson, shutdown relief work from the bullpen, timely hitting from Buxton and Julien, and solid defense combined to produce a convincing 5-1 victory.
For Minnesota, this game provides a blueprint moving forward. Mixing power from Buxton and Julien with contact hitting from Castro and France creates offensive balance. When coupled with quality pitching that throws strikes and limits walks, the Twins can compete with anyone.
Detroit will regroup and move forward from the loss. At 9-6, they’ve proven capable of winning games and remain firmly in the division race. Spencer Torkelson’s continued power surge gives the lineup a dangerous middle-of-the-order presence.
Both teams feature young talent, experienced veterans, and manageable payrolls that allow flexibility at the trade deadline. The AL Central remains wide open, making every head-to-head meeting significant in the standings race.
As the 2025 season unfolds, games like this April 13 matchup will take on increased importance. The Twins’ 5-1 victory snapped a losing streak and provided momentum heading into a tough series against the Mets. For Detroit, the loss served as a reminder that even hot streaks eventually cool, and sustained excellence requires consistency across all phases.
For detailed sports analysis and comprehensive player statistics across MLB matchups, stay tuned to our coverage throughout the season. The numbers tell stories that highlight individual excellence and team dynamics, helping fans understand what separates winning performances from disappointing defeats.
The baseball season stretches 162 games, meaning one loss barely registers in the grand scheme. Yet the manner of victory or defeat matters. Minnesota’s complete performance sends a message that they’re capable of playing championship-caliber baseball. Detroit’s struggles with runners in scoring position highlight areas needing improvement.
