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Twins fans saw Minnesota’s struggles continue Tuesday night as the New York Yankees powered their way to an 8-1 victory at Target Field. Max Fried delivered his strongest start in months, while Cody Bellinger and Spencer Jones supplied the decisive power in a game that kept New York firmly in the American League East race.
Max Fried Finally Ends Long Winning Drought
Fried earned his first victory since April 27, allowing one run over seven smooth innings. The left-hander needed only 88 pitches to complete his longest outing in nearly five months, giving the Yankees a major boost at a critical point in the regular season.
The victory improved Fried’s record to 5-4 and helped New York remain 3½ games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the division standings. The Yankees entered the night at 88-63, while Tampa Bay stood at 91-59.
Fried’s recent performance has been especially encouraging after he missed time because of a bone bruise in his elbow. He spent 71 games on the injured list across two separate stints, but his post-All-Star-break numbers suggest he may be returning to form at exactly the right moment.
- Post-All-Star-break ERA: 1.83
- Strikeouts: 50 in 44⅓ innings
- Starts since returning: Nine
- Latest performance: One run allowed in seven innings
Powerful Yankees Attack Overwhelms the Twins
New York’s offense struck quickly against Bailey Ober. Ben Rice opened the game with a single, and Bellinger followed with a two-run home run for a fast 2-0 lead. It was Bellinger’s 16th homer of the season and another standout moment during an impressive stretch at the plate.
Bellinger finished with three hits and a walk. He is batting .377 over his last 17 games, going 26-for-69 during that span. His recent surge has added another dangerous left-handed bat to a lineup already packed with power.
Spencer Jones delivered the biggest blow in the sixth inning. With two outs, Jones launched a three-run homer against Taylor Rogers, extending the Yankees’ advantage. A fielding error by rookie shortstop Kaelen Culpepper allowed all four runs in the inning to be charged as unearned.
The Yankees finished with 14 hits and now have 11 players who have hit at least 10 home runs this season. That depth could become increasingly important as the postseason approaches and opposing teams focus on limiting New York’s biggest stars.
Judge Rests as New York Eyes October
Aaron Judge was not in the lineup as the Yankees managed his workload. The star right fielder is still working his way back after recently returning from a broken rib, making rest particularly important with the postseason approaching.
Even without Judge, New York produced an explosive offensive performance. The result also strengthened the club’s position after the Yankees clinched at least a wild-card spot on Monday.
For New York, Fried’s resurgence and the lineup’s depth provide reasons for optimism. The Yankees will need consistent starting pitching and timely home runs if they hope to challenge Tampa Bay for the division crown and make a deep playoff run.
Twins Slide Continues With Another Costly Loss
The defeat dropped Minnesota to 70-81 and continued a difficult stretch for the club. The Twins have now lost 16 of their last 23 games, leaving them well behind the leading teams in the American League Central.
Ober took the loss and fell to 7-6. Minnesota also lost Culpepper during the game after the rookie shortstop experienced left hamstring tightness and was removed from the contest.
The Twins did not generate enough offense to keep pace with New York’s early scoring. Their lone run could not overcome the Yankees’ home runs, steady pitching and defensive pressure.
What Comes Next for Both Teams?
The Yankees will conclude the series Wednesday afternoon with Carlos Rodón scheduled to start. Rodón enters with a 6-3 record and a 2.94 ERA. Zebby Matthews is expected to take the mound for Minnesota, carrying a 9-10 record and a 4.98 ERA.
The final game will give the Twins an opportunity to avoid a series loss, while New York can continue building momentum in the division race. For the Yankees, the biggest takeaway from Tuesday was clear: Fried appears healthy, the offense remains dangerous and the club is entering October with growing confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Yankees and Twins?
The New York Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-1 on Tuesday night at Target Field.
When did Max Fried last win before Tuesday?
Fried’s previous victory came on April 27. Tuesday’s win was his first since that date.
Who hit home runs for New York?
Cody Bellinger hit a two-run home run, while Spencer Jones added a three-run homer in the sixth inning.
How did Aaron Judge contribute?
Judge rested during the game as he continues to work back into form after returning from a broken rib.
Who starts the next game for the Twins?
Zebby Matthews is scheduled to start for Minnesota against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón.
