Full Breakdown
Tigers Overcome Rain Delay to Defeat Twins 10-4 in Opener
6/11/2026, 2:12:43 AM
Rain Delay and Conditions
Nearly a two-hour rain delay pushed the start from the scheduled 6:40 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The warm, humid night made splitters hard to grip, a factor manager AJ Hinch called “a weird night.” The moisture helped the ball travel, and Detroit and Minnesota combined for eight home runs – the second-most ever recorded at Comerica.
Starting Pitchers and Early Momentum
Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (2-0, 1.74 ERA) faced Twins starter Taj Bradley (5-2, 3.56 ERA). Melton surrendered a leadoff solo homer to Byron Buxton on the first pitch (97.8 mph). Bradley allowed three solo shots in the first three innings, including Buxton’s.
Offensive Highlights
Detroit hit six homers. Catcher Dillon Dingler recorded four hits, 11 total bases and two three-run blasts, raising his season totals to 48 RBIs and 16 homers, and tying Yordan Alvarez for the most homers since May 16 (seven). Riley Greene added his seventh career homer, and Kerry Carpenter’s two-run shot gave Detroit a 5-4 lead. Minnesota answered with four solo shots—Buxton’s first-pitch blast and later homers by Josh Bell, Brooks Lee and Kody Clemens.
Manager Hinch’s View
Hinch praised the bullpen’s work (Drew Anderson, Kyle Finnegan) and stressed the importance of “not getting mad or frustrated after a win.” He noted that the humidity caused the ball to “jump,” and highlighted Dingler’s “mental and physical” durability, saying the catcher “can handle it” despite the rain-soaked night.
Statistical Snapshot
- Eight combined home runs (second most ever at Comerica).
- Dingler’s two-homer game marked his seventh since May 16, tying Yordan Alvarez for the MLB lead.
- Tigers improved to 28-39, winning six of seven games in June.
- Melton’s 1.74 ERA remains the lowest among Detroit starters.
Official Statements & Responses
Hinch described the delay as “a weird night” and emphasized staying composed. He also noted that the Twins’ decision to bring left-hander Taylor Rogers to face Dingler backfired, producing Dingler’s second homer. Twins manager Derek Shelton’s move, intended to exploit a left-handed matchup, was mentioned but not defended.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a weird night to begin with,” — AJ Hinch, Tigers manager
- “I've always been told, going back to high school ball and college ball that solo homers don't kill you," said Dingler, who produced four hits, 11 total bases and four RBI on the night.” — Dillon Dingler, catcher
- “That Buxton homer can send you in a bad way," Hinch said.” — AJ Hinch, Tigers manager
- “Homers can frustrate anyone, but he didn't let it pile up,” — AJ Hinch, Tigers manager
Why It Matters
The win extended Detroit’s June surge to six victories in seven games and gave the Tigers a 10-4 lead in the series opener, while the Twins fell behind early after a first-inning home run.
What’s Next
Detroit will finish the three-game series with left-hander Framber Valdez on Wednesday and right-hander Keider Montero on Thursday, hoping to extend their June surge while the Twins look to rebound from the opening loss.
