Minnesota Twins fall 5-4 to Detroit Tigers in series opener at Comerica Park

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Twins put a runner on base in nearly every inning at Comerica Park on Monday and could not cash in, falling 5-4 to the Detroit Tigers in the opener of a three-game series.

Minnesota went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and drew six walks, but stranded most of them. The Twins pulled within a run in the sixth on Walker Jenkins’ two-run double, then went down in order over the final three innings. Kenley Jansen closed it out for the save.

Trevor Larnach led the offense with two hits, including a home run, and scored twice. Kaelen Culpepper added two hits.

Joe Ryan took the loss despite striking out seven in four innings. He gave up three runs, two of them earned, on three hits and a walk. A Minnesota error accounted for the unearned run. Connor Prielipp followed with four innings of relief, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts. The two combined for 12 strikeouts.

Detroit got its offense from Riley Greene, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Kevin McGonigle also homered. Troy Melton picked up the win after giving up four earned runs over five and two-thirds innings.

The loss is Minnesota’s second straight and drops the club to 68-76, seven and a half games behind the White Sox in the American League Central and four and a half back of the final AL Wild Card spot.

The series continues tonight at 5:40 p.m., with the finale set for Wednesday afternoon at 12:10 p.m.