MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Twins Surrender Four-Run Lead in 7-5 Loss to Padres as Wild-Card Race Tightens

SAN DIEGO, CA (August 23, 2026) The Minnesota Twins surrendered an early four-run advantage Saturday night as the San Diego Padres rallied for a 7-5 victory at Petco Park.

Minnesota built a 5-1 lead through the first four innings, powered by solo home runs from Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee and rookie Kaelen Culpepper.

Kody Clemens and Keaschall also delivered run-producing hits as the Twins took control against San Diego starter Casey Mize.

Mize left the game during the third inning with a right ankle injury after allowing four runs.

Minnesota starter Dean Kremer held San Diego scoreless through five innings after allowing an early home run to Jackson Merrill. The Twins remained ahead 5-2 entering the bottom of the seventh.

The game changed during a four-run Padres rally.

Freddy Fermin reached base on catcher’s interference to begin the inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jake Cronenworth followed with run-producing hits, and former Twins player Ty France delivered the go-ahead RBI single.

San Diego added another run in the eighth when Tatis drove in Merrill, giving the Padres a two-run advantage.

Padres reliever Griffin Canning worked 3⅓ scoreless innings and earned the victory. Mason Miller pitched the ninth for his 32nd save.

The Twins collected 10 hits but did not score after the fourth inning. Minnesota’s bullpen was unable to protect the early lead, while San Diego’s relievers prevented the Twins from rebuilding momentum.

The loss carried added importance because both clubs remain involved in their respective league wild-card races. Minnesota entered Sunday one game behind Texas and Cleveland in the American League wild-card standings.

San Diego moved two games ahead of Arizona in the race for the National League’s final wild-card position.

The defeat followed Minnesota’s 6-2 loss in Friday’s series opener. The Twins will try to avoid a sweep in the series finale.

The 7-5 final score and game details were confirmed through Reuters and the official Major League Baseball website.

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