Eric Haase drove in Javier Baez with a fifth inning ground out to give the visiting Tigers a go-ahead 5-4 lead as the Twins pitchers struggled in Thursday night's loss to Detroit.
Sonny Gray struggled through four innings of work allowing two earned runs off four hits and four walks.
Donovan Solano launched a home run into deep left center field to cap off a four-run second inning to give the Twins a 4-1 lead.
Jovani Moran's disastrous fifth inning doomed the Twins as Baez tripled, driving in two, to even up the game at four. Three pitches later Haase drove in Baez for the go-ahead run.
Detroit added three more runs in the top of the ninth to complete a 8-4 series opening win at Target Field.
Byron Buxton made his return, coming off the 10 day injured list, and went 0-4, striking out once, and reaching on a fielding error in the bottom of the ninth. Minnesota hitters struck out 11 times in the loss.
The Twins and Tigers are back in action Friday night with first pitch set for 7:10p.m. at Target Field.
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