Detroit Tigers Sweep Minnesota Twins to Extend Winning Streak to Four Games

The series also saw Babe Ruth hit 2 home runs and tie teammates Carl Yastrzemski and Al Rosen for the AL lead in home runs. Each man has 10 HRs, and this is the first time in league history that one team has claimed the top 3 HR spots on the leaderboard!

 

Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins (Tigers win 7-2)

 

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Game 1

The Detroit Tigers continued their dominant form, securing a thrilling 7-2 victory in extra innings against the Minnesota Twins. The win marks the Twins' eighth straight loss and extends the Tigers' winning streak to four games. The Tigers, boasting the best offense in baseball, showcased their firepower once again with a dramatic five-run 10th inning.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

 

1st Inning:

• Both teams started quietly, with the Tigers going down in order and the Twins managing a single from Marquis Grissom.

2nd Inning:

• The Twins took an early lead. Johnny Evers' two-run double off Bob Purkey gave Minnesota a 2-0 lead.

3rd Inning:

• Bob MacPherson homered to center field, cutting the Twins' lead to 2-1.

4th Inning:

• Carl Yastrzemski doubled and later scored on an error by George Foster, tying the game at 2-2.

5th-9th Innings:

• Both teams struggled to find any offensive rhythm, with Purkey and Holtzman battling on the mound. Detroit threatened in the 9th with a double by Al Rosen, but Dick Tidrow managed to escape the jam.

10th Inning:

• The Tigers exploded offensively. Vada Pinson doubled to score Billy Rogell, and Al Rosen crushed a grand slam to center field, sealing the 7-2 win for Detroit.

 

Key Performers:

• Al Rosen (DET): 3-for-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI
• Bob MacPherson (DET): 2-for-4, HR
• Ken Johnson (DET): 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 K, Save

 

Friday, May 10, 2024 – Game 2 (Tigers win 4-3)
 

The Tigers edged out the Twins 4-3 in another extra-innings thriller, showing their resilience and clutch performance in tight situations.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

1st-2nd Inning:

• Both pitchers, Dwight Gooden and Bob Welsh, kept the bats silent with strong outings.

3rd Inning:

• The Twins broke through first. George Foster scored on a defensive error by Vada Pinson.

4th Inning:

• Babe Ruth answered for the Tigers with a solo home run to center, tying the game at 1-1.

5th Inning:

• David Justice’s sacrifice fly put the Twins ahead again, but the lead was short-lived.

7th Inning:

• Detroit's Billy Rogell hit a crucial two-run double, giving the Tigers a 3-2 lead.

9th Inning:

• Johnny Evers doubled and later scored on Marquis Grissom's single, tying the game and forcing extra innings.

10th Inning:

• Babe Ruth's sacrifice fly brought home the winning run for the Tigers, who held on for a 4-3 victory.

 

Key Performers:

• Babe Ruth (DET): 2-for-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
• Billy Rogell (DET): 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
• Tug McGraw (DET): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K, Save

 

Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Game 3 (Tigers dominate, 11-1)

 

The Tigers completed the sweep with an emphatic 11-1 victory, riding on a strong offensive performance and a complete game gem by Nolan Ryan.

 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

2nd Inning:

• Detroit erupted for six runs, highlighted by a two-run double from John Olerud and a three-run blast by Babe Ruth.

3rd Inning:

• Bob MacPherson added a two-run homer, and Vada Pinson’s RBI double extended the lead to 9-0.

3rd Inning:

• The Twins managed to get on the board with a double by Home Run Baker, scoring Johnny Evers.

6th-7th Innings:

• Detroit continued to pile on with an RBI single by Ron Karkovice and a bases-loaded walk to Al Rosen.

Final Innings:

• Nolan Ryan dominated the Twins’ lineup, finishing with nine strikeouts and only one earned run allowed, securing the 11-1 win.

 

Key Performers:

• Babe Ruth (DET): 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
• John Olerud (DET): 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
• Nolan Ryan (DET): 9 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 9 K, Win

Series MVP: Bob MacPherson

Bob MacPherson emerged as the standout player for the Detroit Tigers in their series sweep over the Minnesota Twins. His consistent power hitting and timely contributions played a crucial role in the Tigers' victories.

Key Performances:

• Game 1: MacPherson kickstarted the Tigers' offense with a solo home run in the 3rd inning, bringing the Tigers within one run of the Twins. He later added another hit, finishing the game 2-for-4 with a homer and an RBI.
• Game 2: Though quieter in the second game, MacPherson came through with a pivotal double in the 7th inning, driving in two runs and giving the Tigers a 3-2 lead.
• Game 3: MacPherson was instrumental in the offensive onslaught, going 2-for-3 with a two-run homer in the 3rd inning. His bat remained hot throughout the series, consistently driving in runs when it mattered most.

Series Stats:

• Batting Average: .667 (4-for-6)
• Home Runs: 2
• RBIs: 5
• Runs Scored: 5
• OBP: .800
• SLG: 1.667

Bob MacPherson’s power at the plate, highlighted by two crucial home runs and five RBIs, was a driving force behind the Tigers' sweep. His performance not only showcased his individual talent but also solidified his role as a key player in the Tigers' powerful lineup.

With the best offense in baseball, scoring 170 runs through 29 games, and the best record at 19-9, the Tigers are proving to be a formidable force this season. The Twins, on the other hand, are in dire need of a turnaround as they face their ninth consecutive loss.