The Minnesota Twins demonstrated their resilience once again, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the Chicago White Sox 6-4 at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 5, 2026. This victory not only evened the series at one game apiece but also marked the 11th win of the season for pitcher Taj Bradley, who played a pivotal role despite a rocky start.
Bradley faced challenges right out of the gate, as the White Sox's Munetaka Murakami made history by becoming the first Japanese rookie to hit 30 home runs, launching a two-run shot in the first inning. Shortly thereafter, Colson Montgomery added to the excitement with another home run, putting the Twins in an early hole. However, Bradley managed to regain his composure, navigating through the next three innings without further damage.
As the game progressed, the Twins' offense began to find its rhythm. In the fourth inning, Kaelen Culpepper ignited the rally with a single, advancing to third on a double by Josh Bell. A fielder's choice allowed Culpepper to score, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Brooks Lee then stepped up with an RBI double, bringing the Twins even closer.
The fifth inning proved to be a turning point for Minnesota. Ryan Jeffers delivered a powerful blow with a one-out, three-run homer, marking his 14th of the season and flipping the score to 5-3 in favor of the Twins. This pivotal moment forced Chicago starter Anthony Kay out of the game, as the Twins capitalized on the momentum. Although the White Sox managed to respond with an RBI single from Miguel Vargas, the Twins maintained their lead.
In the seventh inning, Culpepper continued his strong performance, contributing an RBI double that extended the Twins' lead to 6-4. Culpepper finished the game with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, solidifying his impact on the game.
The Twins' bullpen showcased their strength, as Kody Funderburk, Jeff Hoffman, A.J. Minter, and Yoendrys Gomez combined to hold the White Sox to just two hits and no runs over the final four innings. Gomez's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he secured his 21st save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.
This victory is crucial for the Twins as they continue their pursuit of a .500 record in the closing weeks of the season. With the series finale looming, the Twins will look to build on this momentum and secure a series win against the White Sox.
STUDS:
Key contributors included the bullpen, which delivered four innings of scoreless baseball, and standout performances from RF Luke Keaschall (2-for-5, 2 R), SS Kaelen Culpepper (2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, 2B), C Ryan Jeffers (1-for-4, R, 3 RBI, HR), and DH Josh Bell (2-for-4, R, 2B).
DUDS:
No duds in this game! The Twins emerged victorious!
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