The Minnesota Twins hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field on September 12, 2025, under sweltering conditions, with the temperature reaching 100 degrees. In a high-scoring game that saw multiple lead changes, the Twins eventually pulled off a narrow 9-8 victory. This win improved the Twins’ record to 64-82, while the Diamondbacks fell to 73-74.
Key Performances at Target Field
The Twins’ offense was led by Kody Clemens, who had an impressive night at the plate. Clemens went 4-for-4 with a home run, double, and five RBIs. His contributions were vital in the Twins’ explosive innings that helped them secure the win.
For the Diamondbacks, Gabriel Moreno and Geraldo Perdomo made significant impacts. Moreno went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, while Perdomo added a home run and two RBIs of his own. Their performances kept the Diamondbacks in the game until the very end.
On the pitching front, the Twins’ Cole Sands emerged with the win, despite giving up four runs in the ninth inning. His record now stands at 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA. Jake Woodford took the loss for the Diamondbacks, dropping to 0-3 with a 4.98 ERA after his outing.
Game Dynamics and Scoring
The game started with the Diamondbacks taking an early lead, scoring a run in the first inning. The Twins responded in the third inning to level the score, setting the tone for the back-and-forth battle that followed. By the end of the fourth inning, the Twins had taken a commanding lead, scoring three runs.
The Diamondbacks managed to close the gap in the seventh inning with two runs, but the Twins quickly extended their lead in the bottom of the same inning. As the game entered the ninth inning, the Twins held a three-run advantage, but the Diamondbacks mounted a fierce comeback attempt.
In a dramatic ninth inning, the Diamondbacks scored four runs, threatening to steal the game. However, the Twins’ bullpen managed to secure the final out, preserving their one-run lead and claiming victory at home.
Season Implications and Next Steps
This victory for the Twins comes as a bright spot in what has been a challenging season, as they remain fourth in the AL Central. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks find themselves striving to climb above .500 as they hold the fourth spot in the NL West. Both teams will look to build on their performance in this high-scoring encounter as they continue their respective seasons.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks remain in Minnesota for two more games against the Twins before returning home to face the San Francisco Giants. The Twins, on the other hand, will conclude this series with the Diamondbacks before hosting the New York Yankees at Target Field.
Overall, this exciting game provided fans with plenty of offense and suspense, showcasing the talents of players on both sides. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to make the most of their remaining games to finish strong.
