Taj Bradley Outduels Tarik Skubal as Twins Edge Tigers 4-2

The Minnesota Twins secured their second consecutive victory on Tuesday night, defeating the Detroit Tigers 4-2 at Target Field. In a high-stakes pitching matchup, the Twins relied on a dominant performance from Taj Bradley and a decisive fifth-inning rally to overcome back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

Bradley Dominates the Mound

Twins right-hander Taj Bradley delivered a standout performance, earning his second win of the season (2-0). Bradley outdueled Skubal by pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing only one run on six hits with no walks. He overwhelmed the Tigers’ lineup, recording 10 strikeouts in the process. This start further cements Bradley’s strong beginning to the year; in three starts, he has allowed just two runs while striking out 22 batters over 16 2/3 innings, as reported by ESPN.

Breaking Through Against Skubal

For much of the game, the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal kept the Twins at bay, but the Minnesota offense finally broke through in the fifth inning. After Byron Buxton and Austin Martin drew consecutive walks with one out, Luke Keaschall drove in Buxton with a single up the middle. The momentum continued as Ryan Jeffers laced a two-run double into the right field corner. The inning culminated with Josh Bell looping a double down the left field line to score Jeffers, effectively ending Skubal’s night.

Skubal (1-1) struggled in a rare short outing, lasting only 4 2/3 innings. He surrendered four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven. According to ESPN, this marks one of only three times in 62 starts over the last two seasons that Skubal failed to complete five innings.

Tigers’ Late Push Falls Short

Detroit attempted a comeback in the seventh inning, starting with two singles. However, Bradley struck out Javier Báez, and reliever Taylor Rogers retired Jahmai Jones on a fly ball before Kevin McGonigle singled home a run. Rogers eventually ended the threat by striking out Gleyber Torres, a call that was upheld following a successful challenge by catcher Ryan Jeffers.

McGonigle remained a bright spot for the Tigers, finishing the night with two hits and two RBI, including an RBI double in the ninth inning that narrowed the lead to 4-2. Justin Topa closed out the game, recording the final two outs to earn his first save.

Game Summary & Key Statistics

• Final Score: Minnesota Twins 4, Detroit Tigers 2
• Date: April 7, 2026
• Attendance: 12,341
• Game Duration: 2:50
• Winning Pitcher: Taj Bradley (2-0)
• Losing Pitcher: Tarik Skubal (1-1)
• Save: Justin Topa

Key Takeaways

• Bradley’s Efficiency: With 22 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings this season, Taj Bradley is establishing himself as a primary force in the Twins’ rotation.
• Rare Skubal Struggle: The Tigers’ ace suffered a rare early exit, failing to reach the fifth inning for the first time in nearly two years.
• Clutch Hitting: The Twins’ ability to capitalize on walks in the fifth inning proved to be the difference-maker in a tight contest.

The Twins look to maintain their momentum as they continue their series against Detroit, with right-hander Bailey Ober slated for the next start.