Twins bullpen, defense step up to lead win over Tigers

After dropping the first two games of the series, the bullpen carried the Twins to a win on Saturday.

The words "bullpen game" can't be comfortable for Minnesota Twins fans but on Saturday it was the relievers who stepped up to lead a 2-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Jose De Leon, Emilio Pagan and Brent Headrick combined to be perfect through the first 4.2 innings before Headrick issued a walk to Zack Short in the fifth inning. Miguel Cabrera ripped a double in the next at-bat but a relay throw from Willi Castro to Carlos Correa to Ryan Jeffers threw out Short at the plate to keep the game scoreless.

𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩. 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚. 𝘼𝙧𝙢𝙨. 💪💪#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/h4Ek9L3d3c

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 17, 2023

With Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax each throwing a scoreless inning, it set the stage for Jhoan Duran to finish the Tigers off in the ninth, using a double play to secure the win.

It was a much-needed performance from the bullpen as the lineup couldn't get much going against Tigers starter Joey Wentz. The left-hander came into Saturday's game with a 7.23 ERA but was perfect before Royce Lewis walked with one out in the fifth inning.

The Twins took advantage of the free pass later in the inning with an RBI single from Alex Kirilloff and an RBI groundout by Ryan Jeffers but it was a tough afternoon overall as Minnesota was limited to just two hits and struck out 11 times – including nine times against Wentz.

Regardless, it was enough offense for the Twins (36-35) to pick up the win. Minnesota will have a chance for a series split on Sunday when Louie Varland (3-2, 4.70 ERA) takes the mound. The Tigers have yet to announce a starter for Sunday's game.