The fifth inning changed everything. Minnesota scored three runs in the top half, Detroit answered with two in the bottom, and when the dust settled, the Twins had seized control of a game they would not relinquish, defeating the Tigers 6-4 at Comerica Park.
Byron Buxton delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer to left center, his 20th of the season. The blast capped a 2-for-4 performance that included three RBIs and extended his season totals to 20 homers and 32 RBIs. Royce Lewis had opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo homer, also to left center, giving Minnesota an early 1-0 lead.
Detroit tied the game in the third when Gleyber Torres doubled to right, scoring McGonigle. But the fifth inning belonged to Minnesota. Buxton's homer scored Jackson and Martin, putting the Twins ahead 4-1. Detroit responded immediately as Kerry Carpenter singled to right, bringing home McGonigle and McKinstry to cut the deficit to 4-3.
Framber Valdez absorbed the loss for Detroit, allowing 4 runs over 5 innings with 6 hits and 2 strikeouts. His record fell to 3-5 with a 4.40 ERA. Taylor Rogers earned the win for Minnesota with a scoreless seventh inning, striking out 2 in his lone frame of work. Yoendrys Gomez secured his fifth save despite allowing a run in the ninth when Dingler singled home Pérez.
Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 30-38. Detroit's two-game winning streak ended as they fell to 28-39. Rogers is now 4 games away from 600 career appearances.