Padres 7, Twins 5: Twins Blow Four-Run Lead in Crushing Seventh-Inning Collapse

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of David Frerker-Imagn Images

Box Score
SP: Dean Kremer - 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K (101 pitches, 59 strikes (58% strikes))
Home Runs: Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kaelen Culpepper
Bottom 3 WPA: Andrew Morris (-0.64), Byron Buxton (-0.07), Tommy Nance (-0.06)
Win Probability Chart

The Twins entered Saturday night's matchup in San Diego looking to even the series after dropping Friday night's opener. For the first six innings, it looked like Minnesota was going to do exactly that, jumping out to an early lead while Dean Kremer kept the Padres' lineup mostly in check. Unfortunately, everything unraveled in the seventh.

Luke Keaschall got the Twins on the board with a leadoff homer in the first before Brooks Lee and Kaelen Culpepper went back-to-back in the second. Kody Clemens added another RBI single in the third, and Keaschall drove in another run in the fourth to give Minnesota a 5-1 lead.

Kremer worked five-plus strong innings before San Diego finally began chipping away in the sixth. The Padres then erupted for five runs in the seventh, turning a 5-2 deficit into a 6-5 lead before adding another insurance run in the eighth. The Twins couldn't mount a response against San Diego's bullpen, falling 7-5 and dropping to 63-67 on the season.

THE TWINS COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER START
Minnesota wasted no time putting pressure on Casey Mize. Keaschall opened the game by jumping on a 2-1 slider that caught too much of the plate, sending it over the wall in left for his first homer of the night. It was the second time this season Keaschall had taken Mize deep, giving the Twins an immediate 1-0 lead.

They would add to their advantage in the second. Lee took a fastball down and away and drove it out to left for his 19th homer of the season. Culpepper followed by jumping on the first pitch he saw from Mize, sending a heater over the wall for his second career major league homer and giving the Twins a 3-0 lead. It marked the sixth time this season Minnesota had hit back-to-back homers.

The Twins weren't finished there. After Jeffers doubled in the third and Mize was removed from the game following a noticeable dip in velocity, Clemens lined an RBI single into center to make it 4-1. Keaschall then struck again in the fourth, singling home Lee and giving Minnesota a four-run advantage.

For the first four innings, the Twins were doing just about everything right offensively. They were taking advantage of mistakes, getting runners on base and consistently putting pressure on San Diego's pitching staff. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep it going for the final five innings.

DEAN KREMER GAVE THE TWINS EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEEDED
Kremer's night was far from perfect, but the right-hander did a good job of limiting the damage and giving Minnesota a chance to win.

After allowing a solo homer to Jackson Merrill in the second, Kremer settled into a strong rhythm. He worked around a pair of walks in the fourth, needing 27 pitches to escape the inning, but managed to strand both runners and keep San Diego off the board. He then worked a clean fifth on just 13 pitches, bringing his pitch count to 88 entering the bottom of the sixth.

Kremer returned for the sixth and immediately ran into trouble. Cronenworth doubled to begin the inning before Machado worked a walk after Kremer had gotten him into an 0-2 count. After France lined out, Kremer's night came to an end at 101 pitches. Merrill followed with an RBI single to cut Minnesota's lead to 5-2, but Kremer had done his job.

He finished with five-plus innings, allowing two runs while striking out five. Considering the Twins had acquired him at the trade deadline to provide stability in the rotation, this was another encouraging outing from Kremer. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't preserve the lead he handed over.

THE SEVENTH INNING COMPLETELY CHANGED THE GAME
This game looked like it belonged to Minnesota through six innings. Then everything fell apart in the seventh.

Andrew Morris entered to begin the inning and quickly recorded the first out, but things spiraled from there. Freddy Fermin reached on catcher interference before Tatis singled to put two runners on, and Cronenworth followed with a double that scored both runners and cut the Twins' lead to 5-4. Suddenly, the Padres had all of the momentum.

Machado then grounded a ball to short, and when Cronenworth tried to advance to third, Culpepper attempted to get the lead runner. The throw missed its mark, allowing Cronenworth to score the tying run while Machado advanced to second. It was a costly defensive mistake in an inning that was already getting away from Minnesota.

France followed by dumping a ball into right field, scoring Machado and giving San Diego its first lead of the night at 6-5. Just like that, a game the Twins had controlled for six innings had completely flipped. Morris eventually escaped the inning, but the damage had been done. The Padres had scored four runs, taken the lead and forced Minnesota to play from behind for the first time all night.

THE TWINS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADD ON
Minnesota did have a chance to change the game's trajectory before San Diego ultimately pulled away. Lee led off the sixth with a single through the right side, putting him just a triple shy of the cycle. After Culpepper lined out, Keaschall was hit by a fastball before Buxton drew a walk to load the bases with one out. That gave Bell a chance to deliver a huge blow.

Instead, he swung through a curveball for the second out, and Jeffers grounded out to short to end the inning. The Twins had put together a bases-loaded situation with a chance to extend their lead, but they walked away empty-handed. Given how the game eventually unfolded, that missed opportunity loomed even larger.

Lee later struck out to begin the eighth, ending his attempt at the cycle. Culpepper and Keaschall followed with outs, and suddenly Minnesota was down to its final three outs. But by that point, the Padres had all of the momentum.

SAN DIEGO ADDED THE INSURANCE RUN IT NEEDED
The Padres weren't done after taking the lead in the seventh. Tommy Nance entered for the Twins in the eighth and immediately ran into trouble when a ball hit back to him kicked off his glove and was ruled a single. After Bogaerts struck out, Fermin singled to put two runners on for Tatis. The Padres' star then delivered another blow.

Tatis grounded a ball up the middle, bringing home Fermin and extending San Diego's lead to 7-5. It was exactly the kind of insurance run the Padres needed with Mason Miller waiting in the bullpen. Cronenworth and Machado eventually struck out to end the inning, but the damage had been done.

Minnesota entered the ninth needing two runs against one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. Buxton couldn't catch up to a 101-mph fastball for the first out, and Tatis then made a tremendous running catch along the right-field line to take a hit away from Bell. Jeffers grounded out to short for the final out, and just like that, the Twins had let one slip away.

For six innings, Minnesota looked firmly in control. The offense jumped on Mize early, Kremer kept the Padres at arm's length, and the Twins carried a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the sixth. But the seventh inning changed everything. San Diego scored four runs, Minnesota couldn't answer, and the Padres eventually added another insurance run to secure the 7-5 victory. After controlling the game for most of the night, the Twins simply couldn't finish it. Minnesota now falls to 63-67 and will look to avoid the sweep Sunday in the series finale.

What’s Next?
The Twins and Padres will wrap up their weekend series in San Diego tomorrow.  Bailey Ober will take the mound for the good guys, and he’ll face off against veteran right-hander Walker Buehler. First pitch is set for 3:10 PM.

Postgame Interviews

 

Bullpen Availability Chart

 

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[Aggies7]

Meh, last Sunday was worse. You knew not scoring in the 5th was going to be an omen.

[Nashvilletwin]

Let’s get ‘em tomorrow 

[howeda7]

Two brutal losses in a week. 

[knothole61]

A sad loss, and all the worse because it wasted a very well-played six innings by the Twins who were ripping the ball and taking extra bases behind decent pitching. The excellent, professional at bats in the third by Jeffers and Clemens that resulted in a run also went to waste.

As fans we are quite happy with the way the bullpen has improved and are eager to sing the praises of players such as Morris who seems to have quite an upside. But tonight, again, we are reminded what a work-in-progress this pen really is. It shouldn't be too much to expect that when a reliever comes in and has a bad night that means giving up a run or two but not four, should it?!  

[RpR]

[h2oface]

7-10 since the trade deadline acquisitions. I guess we are better? The little mistakes are crushing. I don’t know how the error was scored against Lee (originally against Culpepper). Sure looked like a Culpepper throwing error to me, not that it matters in the end, I guessMaybe they can right the ship at get the last win in San Diego and sweep the A’s to get back in it. 

[Peter]

Tired of these crushing losses!!!! Need to get win today as well sweep A’s/15 games against central division to win division!!! 

[Linus]

This was tough. 32 games left and the Twins need to win at least 20. can’t let games like this slip away. 

[Saxophone Joe]

Our inability to add on to leads in the middle-late innings has been a recurring theme all year. Bit us badly last night. Both Buck (of course) and Larnach also had two out RISP opportunities that were for naught. 

The Royce bunt attempt was totally baffling. Drive the ball!

Desperately need a Bailey Ober legacy game today. 

[DJL44]

This game felt like a playoff game… against the Yankees.

I am glad that Culpepper is getting experience in a pennant race but it is clear he needs to slow down the game.

[CRF]

More of the same stuff. If you think they're gonna suddenly turn on a switch and win 20-25 games down the stretch...then I've got some ocean front property in Arizona that I want to talk to you about buying. Unfortunately, they're going nowhere. 

[HarmonK03]

6 hours ago, h2oface said:

7-10 since the trade deadline acquisitions. I guess we are better? The little mistakes are crushing. I don’t know how the error was scored against Lee (originally against Culpepper). Sure looked like a Culpepper throwing error to me, not that it matters in the end, I guessMaybe they can right the ship at get the last win in San Diego and sweep the A’s to get back in it. 

Lee postgame said he was the one to call for the throw to third and that it was a good throw, he tried to make the tag too quick.  So Lee is saying the play was on him and even Shelton said it was a 50/50 call of where to go with the ball.

[Whitey333]

Well a very tough loss indeed. Twins desperately need a win Sunday and a sweep against the As.  Everyone talks about Culpeppers throwing to third.  Way doesnt anyone mention Jeffers boneheaded catchers interference play to start the inning?  Not good for a veteran catcher.  Come on Bailey Ober.  We need you!

[tony&rodney]

11 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Lee postgame said he was the one to call for the throw to third and that it was a good throw, he tried to make the tag too quick.  So Lee is saying the playing was on him and even Shelton said it was a 50/50 call of where to go with the ball.

Very confused how so many people missed that play. It was crystal clear to me that the throw was perfect and on time to get the out at third. It was a big time play by a rookie. The replay (frame by frame) confirmed what I saw. Shelton stated that the play looked good but mentioned that he had not seen the replay. The postgame comments by Lee further confirm what happened. Stuff happens. The breaks all went San Diego's direction. If one wants to take anything away from the game it is that defense and putting the ball in play are crucial parts to baseball.

[Maybebaby]

Disappointed for sure but fun to watch and follow.  You just never know with this team a lot of good young players moving forward, living and learning. Would sure like to see Jenkins up here asap to spell Buck but play a corner OF spot on those days Buck is in so as to get his feet wet on the field, not on the bench.

[HarmonK03]

9 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Very confused how so many people missed that play. It was crystal clear to me that the throw was perfect and on time to get the out at third. It was a big time play by a rookie. The replay (frame by frame) confirmed what I saw. Shelton stated that the play looked good but mentioned that he had not seen the replay. The postgame comments by Lee further confirm what happened. Stuff happens. The breaks all went San Diego's direction. If one wants to take anything away from the game it is that defense and putting the ball in play are crucial parts to baseball.

That is the way I saw it live and I was glad Lee confirmed it.  It feels like people are waiting for Culpepper to fail, I like what I have seen so far, he will have a learning curve but he seems to be settling in.

One other question, how is ERod looking, the results have been there, is he shaking off the rust from being out or is there still more to work on.

[Saxophone Joe]

Buck is 7 for 53 since the All Star break. 1 RBI, 1 XBH, 0 HR. Absolutely brutal at a crucial moment in the season. Gotta be one of the worst stat lines in the game post-ASB.

TD needs to do a deep deep on this pronto so he snaps out of it;)

[David Maro]

Missing out on bases loaded and 1 out again was the turning point of the game. Good teams add on and bad teams don't. If they want to stay in the hunt this has to change today not next week.

[mikelink45]

I will add to Saxophone Joe's comments.  Last five games - Lewis 2/19, Trevor Larnach 1/16, Buxton 2/16, 

We need more than 6 bats in the lineup.

[tony&rodney]

1 minute ago, HarmonK03 said:

That is the way I saw it live and I was glad Lee confirmed it.  It feels like people are waiting for Culpepper to fail, I like what I have seen so far, he will have a learning curve but he seems to be settling in.

One other question, how is ERod looking, the results have been there, is he shaking off the rust from being out or is there still more to work on.

The shortstop play by Culpepper has been flawless since the first game. What impressed me about that play was how calmly Kaelen made it. Good for all that Brooks Lee owned his mistake. He was right to call for the ball too.

Emmanuel is looking better and seeing the ball well. He hits the ball really hard, takes his walks, and does still strike out. Last night he was called out on strikes and immediately challenged the call. It was a ball and he took first base. Rodriguez missed so much time that he doesn't look as good in the outfield as he will once he has played another week or so. 

I'm hoping the Twins have both Emmanuel and Walker in the outfield next year. I have come to accept that neither is likely to get a shot this season unless an injury occurs to Larnach. There is too much risk of upsetting the clubhouse if Larnach is let go or so it seems. These things are well beyond a fans' control and I believe that our best level of knowledge is in our own careers, not baseball.

[HarmonK03]

2 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

The shortstop play by Culpepper has been flawless since the first game. What impressed me about that play was how calmly Kaelen made it. Good for all that Brooks Lee owned his mistake. He was right to call for the ball too.

Emmanuel is looking better and seeing the ball well. He hits the ball really hard, takes his walks, and does still strike out. Last night he was called out on strikes and immediately challenged the call. It was a ball and he took first base. Rodriguez missed so much time that he doesn't look as good in the outfield as he will once he has played another week or so. 

I'm hoping the Twins have both Emmanuel and Walker in the outfield next year. I have come to accept that neither is likely to get a shot this season unless an injury occurs to Larnach. There is too much risk of upsetting the clubhouse if Larnach is let go or so it seems. These things are well beyond a fans' control and I believe that our best level of knowledge is in our own careers, not baseball.

Thank you for the update.  I am hoping that ERod is the call up on Sept 1, and gets a couple of starts and maybe be the defensive replacement for Larnach.  I am not completing giving up on Walker but it does feel like it's not going to happen.

[DJL44]

52 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Lee postgame said he was the one to call for the throw to third and that it was a good throw, he tried to make the tag too quick.  So Lee is saying the play was on him and even Shelton said it was a 50/50 call of where to go with the ball.

Lee is a good teammate 

[DJL44]

38 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

Way doesnt anyone mention Jeffers boneheaded catchers interference play to start the inning?  Not good for a veteran catcher. 

The one where the batter stuck his bat backwards into the catcher’s mitt? Not his fault.

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The one where the batter stuck his bat backwards into the catcher’s mitt? Not his fault.

Fermin is a catcher. There is zero, exactly 0%, chance that Fermin was trying to initiate contact with Jeffers. People make mistakes and in this case Jeffers was too close. 

There was a question of how a non swing can result in catcher's interference but the glove touched the bat and thus the call by rule. Bad break for the Twins.

[90stwinskid]

Oof. Let's just not get swept today.

Post-deadline: 7-10

Overall: 63-67

 

[Saxophone Joe]

This gif is evergreen in describing the 2026 Twins. The inconsistency is maddening. And yet, I can’t quit them! 🫡

[AceWrigley]

2 hours ago, CRF said:

More of the same stuff. If you think they're gonna suddenly turn on a switch and win 20-25 games down the stretch...then I've got some ocean front property in Arizona that I want to talk to you about buying. Unfortunately, they're going nowhere. 

Woah, did southern California finally fall into the ocean? I missed it. 🙂

[shimrod]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I will add to Saxophone Joe's comments.  Last five games - Lewis 2/19, Trevor Larnach 1/16, Buxton 2/16, 

We need more than 6 bats in the lineup.

6 bats is three more than we're accustomed to. The real disappointment is that the guys struggling should be team leaders. A playoff push is when your core veterans should shine - instead we're leaning on rentals and rookies. 

 

 

[mike8791]

Hindsight is always 20!20 but when does Shelty stop depending on Morris in late-inning situations?  This is 2 big leads he has blown in a week.  With the WC race as tight as it is, Twins cannot afford to throw him out there again.  Isn't this why they picked up Minter, Hoffman, and Nance?  Frankly, Morris, Funderburk and Adams should be used sparingly in a playoff race.  I hold my breath when Gomez is put in a save situation, but amazingly, he has yet to have a blown one.  Let's keep our fingers crossed this record continues.

In the meantime, I want some proven veterans in to hold the leads.  I realize Morris has exceeded expectations but like Prielipp, isn't it pretty obvious that he's reaching his limits?  I know you can't rely on 3 or 4 relievers consistently, but I'd rather they bring in  a veteran(albeit a flawed one) like Rogers  now when the outcome is still in doubt  rather than the rooks .

And one more thing - Shelty has stumbled badly recently.  Let's hope he has learned to treat each game from now on like a playoff one!  We fans deserve at least that!